Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham

Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham

Hello, my fellow food lovers!

Today, I’ve got a recipe that’s perfect for brightening up your dining table: Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham. This delightful dish is not only a showstopper but also an absolute treat for your taste buds. It’s one of those Healthy Food Recipes that feels indulgent without any of the guilt. Ready to impress your guests or maybe just treat yourself to something extra special? Let’s get cooking!

**Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham**

Before we dive in, let me tell you about how this recipe came to life. I first made it during a particularly chilly winter when I craved something warm and festive. The cranberries? Well, they were an afterthought from a massive holiday purchase, and the oranges were begging to be used from my weekly farmer’s market haul. Sometimes the best Healthy Food Recipes come from improvisation, right?

### Ingredients:

– 1 (6-8 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham (spiral-cut hams work great)
– 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 3 oranges)
– Zest of 1 orange
– ½ cup maple syrup (or honey if you prefer)
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). While it warms up, unwrap your ham and place it flat side down on a roasting pan. Ensure the pan is deep enough to catch all those beautiful juices!

#### Step 2: Mix the Glaze

Now, for the fun part! In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries start to pop, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir in the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and ground ginger. Let this simmer until it thickens slightly, around 10 minutes.

**Tip:** Taste your glaze and adjust flavors to your liking. If you love sweeter profiles, add an extra splash of maple syrup. For a tangy kick, a little extra mustard does the trick.

#### Step 3: Glaze the Ham

Brush about ⅓ of the glaze over the ham, making sure to get in between all those slices. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven.

#### Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Bake the ham for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it’s heated through. Every 30 minutes, take the ham out and baste it with more glaze. This will keep it juicy and infuse it with flavor.

**Insight:** The basting process is magical as it caramelizes the glaze, enhancing the already delicious flavors. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing!

#### Step 5: Final Touch

During the last 10 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and give the ham a final glaze. This step ensures a beautiful, glossy finish.

#### Step 6: Serve

Once done, let your Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives the juices a chance to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent ham.

**Bonus Tip:** This dish pairs delightfully with roasted sweet potatoes or a fresh green salad. It’s one of those Healthy Food Recipes that works year-round, making it versatile for any occasion.

And there you have it, my friends! I hope you enjoy this Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham as much as I do. It’s a recipe that brings a touch of warmth and festivity to any table, perfect for both celebrations and cozy dinners alike.

If you do try it out, drop a comment or tag me in your photos! I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Until next time, keep cooking and savoring these delicious moments.

Bon appétit! 🍽️