**Delightful Dining: Spiced Honey Pineapple Ham**
Hey, food lovers! 👋 Hope you’re all ready to dive into a recipe that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also have your family and friends wondering when you turned into a gourmet chef extraordinaire! Today, I’m sharing my deliciously divine Spiced Honey Pineapple Ham––a star attraction that perfectly fuses the sweet zestiness of pineapple with the savory richness of ham. It’s a fabulously balanced centerpiece for any table, and it’s been a hit in my suburban kitchen for ages!
So, without further ado, let’s get cooking with this amazing recipe, brought to you by your favorite hub of mouth-watering Healthy Food Recipes!
### Ingredients
– 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
– 1 cup honey
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– Pineapple rings (canned or fresh)
– Maraschino cherries
– Toothpicks (to secure fruit)
### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Preheat and Prep**: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Rinse the ham under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. You want it to sit proudly, throne-like, as it awaits its flavorful makeover.
2. **Create the Glaze**: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. You can almost taste the sweet-smoky wonders just by mixing these up! This is where the healthy aspect of this delectable dish comes in — these ingredients ensure you pack a flavorful punch without relying on overly processed components. Yay for Healthy Food Recipes!
3. **Score the Ham**: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Don’t shy away from it—it’s really easy once you get the hang of it. This not only lets those gorgeous glaze flavors seep into the meat but also gives your ham that traditional, polished look.
4. **Apply the Glaze**: Pour half of your prepared glaze over the ham, making sure it’s coated thoroughly. Reserve the remaining glaze for basting later on because we’re all about maximizing that flavor depth!
5. **Add Pineapple and Cherries**: Attach the pineapple rings over the scored surface using toothpicks, placing a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring. It’s a visual delight and I promise it’ll have your guests snapping pics before even taking a bite. It’s fruity fun that screams homemade greatness!
6. **Bake Away**: Slide your beautifully decorated ham into the oven, allowing it to bake for about 15-18 minutes per pound. Every 30 minutes, give it some extra TLC with more of that wonderful glaze. This is my favorite part; the scent that wafts from the oven is food heaven!
7. **Check and Rest**: Once the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), pull that beauty out of the oven. Let it rest for 20 minutes – it’s tempting to dive right in, but resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat wonderfully moist. During this time, brew yourself some tea or set the table; anticipation only makes it better!
8. **Serve and Enjoy**: Slice up your glazed masterpiece and watch as everyone marvels at how you created such a juicy, succulent dish with balanced flavors. Pair it with roasted veggies or a fresh salad to complete the meal while sticking to your Healthy Food Recipes ethos.
### Personal Tips
– **Marination Oddity**: If you have time, marinate the ham with the glaze overnight in a large zip-lock bag. It infuses every fiber with flavor and makes for a truly exceptional dish.
– **Substitution Magic**: Out of pineapple juice? Orange juice can be a fantastic substitute, offering a different citrus twist that I sometimes fancy.
– **Leftover Love**: If you’ve got leftovers (unlikely, but hey, it happens!), the slices are heavenly in sandwiches or diced into a hearty ham salad.
Cooking should be joyful and experimental, so remember to have fun and make this recipe your own. I hope your Spiced Honey Pineapple Ham turns out as amazing as it does in my little suburban kitchen. Share your culinary adventures by commenting below! Here’s to adding this to your staple of crowd-pleasing Healthy Food Recipes. Until next time, happy cooking and even happier eating! 🍽️