Hey there, food lovers! 🌟
I’ve got something truly yummy to share with you today. Tired of the usual weeknight dinners and holiday feasts that feel a bit too, well, ordinary? Say no more! I’m here to introduce you to your new favorite dish: Honey Apple Glazed Ham. This isn’t just any ham, mind you; it’s packed with flavor, has a sweet and tangy glaze, and, in true Healthy Food Recipes fashion, it’s made with wholesome ingredients.
Now, who says you can’t have your ham and eat it too without feeling guilty? This recipe trims some of the unnecessary sugars and fats while keeping all of the taste. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive holiday centerpiece!
Let’s get started, shall we?
### 🛒 Ingredients:
– 1 cooked ham (approximately 4-5 pounds; bone-in preferred for added flavor)
– 1 cup apple juice or apple cider
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon cloves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 apples, thinly sliced
– Fresh rosemary springs for garnish (optional but highly recommended!)
### 🥘 Instructions:
#### Step 1: Prep Your Ham
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Unwrap your ham and place it in a large roasting pan. If your ham hasn’t been pre-scored, you can make a crisscross pattern across its surface with a sharp knife. This helps the glaze seep in, turning each slice into a taste sensation.
#### Step 2: Whip Up That Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the apple juice, honey, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. What you’re left with is a sticky, fragrant glaze that’s going to caramelize beautifully on our ham.
#### Step 3: Getting All Glazed Up
Pour about half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring you get into all those nooks and crannies. Pop your ham into the oven and let it get cozy in there for around 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Don’t forget to baste it with its own juices every 30 minutes using the remaining glaze.
#### Step 4: Apple-tastic Finishing Touch
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to take the ham out, toss those thinly sliced apples with olive oil and scatter them around the ham. They’ll soak up some of that delicious glaze and caramelize alongside it.
#### Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your ham comes out of the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes under some foil—trust me, it’ll be worth it! Garnish with fresh rosemary and arrange the baked apples artfully around the platter for a beautiful presentation.
### 🍴 Personal Insights & Tips:
– **Choosing Apples:** Go for a slightly tart variety like Granny Smith. They balance out the sweetness of the honey perfectly!
– **For Extra Flair**: Feel fancy? Add some cranberries to the apple mix in Step 4. They add a festive pop of color and a tangy twist.
– **Serving Suggestions:** Complement this dish with a simple salad (kale and quinoa are a fave) or some roasted vegetables. You’re leaning into Healthy Food Recipes territory while still keeping things scrumptious!
And there you have it, folks! A delightful, sweet-and-savory dish that’s sure to become a staple in your collection of Healthy Food Recipes. It’s elegant without being over-the-top, and absolutely ideal for those special dinners or when you just want to treat yourself and the fam.
Don’t forget to let me know how your Honey Apple Glazed Ham turned out in the comments, or tag me in your photos on socials. I love seeing your culinary masterpieces!
Until next time, happy cooking (and eating)! 🍎🐷✨