**Title: Sweet Meets Savory: A Cozy Recipe for Maple Apple Baked Ham**

Hey, food lovers!

Autumn is officially here, which means my cravings for warm, comforting dishes have kicked into high gear. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a good meal wafting through the house, right? Especially when it’s something as delightful as a Maple Apple Baked Ham. This recipe perfectly balances the sweetness of maple syrup and apples with savory ham, filling your kitchen with heavenly scents while also being a nutritious option.

Let’s dive into this drool-worthy, Healthy Food Recipe. Whether you’ve got a special occasion coming up or just looking to treat yourself and your family to a hearty meal, this one’s a winner. And trust me, it’s easier than you think!

### Ingredients You’ll Need:

– **1 fully cooked ham** (about 5-6 lbs), bone-in or boneless, your choice!
– **1 cup pure maple syrup**
– **2 large apples**, thinly sliced (I love using Honeycrisp or Fuji for that perfect sweet-tart combo)
– **2 teaspoons ground cinnamon**
– **½ teaspoon ground cloves**
– **1 tablespoon Dijon mustard**
– **½ cup fresh apple cider**
– **Optional garnish:** Fresh rosemary sprigs and apple slices

### Step-by-Step Instructions:

**1. Preheat and Prep:**
– Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup later—trust me, it makes a difference!

**2. Score the Ham:**
– Place the ham on a cutting board and score the surface in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife. This not only helps the flavors penetrate the meat but also makes for a beautiful presentation.

**3. Make the Glaze:**
– In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix together the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, Dijon mustard, and apple cider. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it’s slightly thickened and fragrant.

**4. Assemble:**
– Place half of your thinly sliced apples in the bottom of the prepared roasting pan. They’ll serve as a juicy, sweet bed for the ham.
– Place the ham on top of the apple slices, and brush generously with about half of your maple glaze. Don’t be shy—get in there with that glaze!

**5. Bake:**
– Cover the ham loosely with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 1.5 hours, basting with the remaining glaze every 20-30 minutes. This will keep it moist and imbue every inch with flavor.

**6. Add the Apple Magic:**
– About 30 minutes before the end of baking, tuck the remaining apple slices around the ham. Let them soak up the drippings for an extra burst of flavor.

**7. Rest and Serve:**
– Once the ham is heated through, remove it from the oven, and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This step ensures all those yummy juices redistribute, making every bite just perfect.
– Garnish with rosemary sprigs and extra apple slices for that Instagram-worthy shot. 🌟

### Tips and Tricks:

– **Choose the Right Ham**: For a more wholesome, Healthy Food Recipe, try opting for a low-sodium variety to keep things on the healthier side.
– **Customize Your Glaze**: Feel free to add your favorite spices or even a bit of orange zest for a citrusy kick.
– **Leftover Love**: This ham makes for incredible leftovers! Think sandwiches, omelets, or tossed in salads. (Or, let’s be honest, sneaking a slice right from the fridge at midnight 😜)

### Personal Insight:

This Maple Apple Baked Ham brings back memories of cozy gatherings with friends and family. The blend of sweet and savory flavors is pure nostalgia, and it’s comforting to know it’s a Healthy Food Recipe I can feel good about feeding my loved ones.

I hope you give this recipe a try and that it brings warmth into your home, just like it does mine. Please share your results and any tweaks you make—I love hearing how these recipes come to life in your kitchens!

Stay cozy and keep cooking up those Healthy Food Recipes,

[Your Name]

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And there you have it! A delightful, health-conscious treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress. 🍁🥳