Hey there, lovely readers!
Welcome back to my cozy corner of the internet, where we’re all about crafting delicious, healthy meals that bring a bit of joy into our daily grind. Today, I’ve got something extra special for your festive table—an Orange-Bourbon and Pecan Glazed Ham that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious. Trust me, this one will have your guests going back for seconds!
This showstopper dish fits right into our “Healthy Food Recipes” series because it’s positively packed with flavor but doesn’t compromise on those healthier ingredients. We’re swapping out the usual overly sugary glaze for a fresh twist using oranges, a touch of bourbon, and those glorious pecans. Let’s make your holiday menu sparkle with this fantastic recipe!
**Ingredients:**
For the ham:
– 1 fully-cooked bone-in ham, about 8-10 pounds
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 3-4 oranges)
– 1 cup bourbon (feel free to cut this in half if you’re not feeling too boozy)
For the glaze:
– 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– Zest of 2 oranges
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– A pinch of salt and black pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prep Time!** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Make sure you’ve got ample space available because this ham will be the star of your cooking show today!
2. **Score the Ham.** Place your ham on a large roasting pan, fat side up. Using a sharp knife, gently score the surface in a criss-cross pattern. This helps our delicious glaze seep into every nook and cranny. Plus, it looks super fancy, like you’re a pro.
3. **Juice Up!** In a bowl, combine the orange juice and bourbon. Pour this mixture all around the ham, letting it infuse from the outside in during the slow roast. It’s like giving your ham a lovely spa day!
4. **Bake It.** Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 1.5 hours. This initial bake is your chance to catch up on any holiday movies you’ve been missing—or maybe just grab a cup of coffee and enjoy a little me-time.
5. **Glaze Magic.** While the ham is settling into its juicy spa time, we’re going to create our luscious glaze. Mix together the pecans, honey, maple syrup, orange zest, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Give it a taste test (how could you resist?) and adjust any seasoning or sweetness to your liking.
6. **Glaze and Bake Again.** Once the initial baking is over, remove the foil, and slather that glorious glaze all over the ham. Pop it back in for another hour, basting with the pan juices every 15 minutes. Patience, my dear, this is when your ham gets its Michelin star!
7. **Rest and Serve.** Let your masterpiece cool for about 15 minutes before carving. This little rest lets the juices redistribute—meaning you’ll get perfect, succulent slices. Serve with the extra glaze from the pan drizzled over top because we’re not skimping on the goodness.
**Tips to Remember:**
– Substitute: You can easily swap bourbon with apple cider if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
– Nuts: No pecans? Walnuts make a fab alternative.
– Balance: Taste your glaze before applying it; you might want a touch more of this or that to suit your palate.
Pair this scrumptious ham with some roasted veggies or a fresh green salad, and you’ve got a feast that aligns perfectly with the ethos of our “Healthy Food Recipes” series.
Cooking is all about joy and creativity, and I hope this recipe brings both to your holiday table. Share your ham-tastic pictures on social media and tag me—I’d love to see your creations!
Until next time, happy cooking and happy holidays!
Love,
[Your Name] 🍊🥂