Hello, fellow food lovers! 🍽️

Can you feel it in the air? The crispness that whispers of cozy evenings and gatherings around a hearty meal? Yes, fall is here, and with it, my kitchen is alive with the aroma of warm spices and everything nice! Today, I’m super excited to share with you a recipe that’s been a staple in my house during this season: Maple Cranberry Glazed Ham. Not only is this dish a showstopper, but it’s also one of those Healthy Food Recipes that makes you feel good about indulging.

Trust me; your taste buds and your guests will thank you.

**Why Ham, You Ask?**

Now, before I dive into the goodies, let me tell you why I love a good ham:

1. **Flavor-packed:** When cooked right, a ham bursts with flavor, especially when you introduce a divine maple and cranberry glaze.
2. **Feeds a crowd:** Perfect for those cozy gatherings.
3. **Leftover magic:** Ever had a ham sandwich with leftovers? It’s epic!

Alright, let’s get to the tasty, sweet, and tangy business of making that ham!

### Maple Cranberry Glazed Ham

#### Ingredients:

– 1 fully cooked, bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
– 1 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 cup cranberry sauce (you can go homemade or store-bought, no judging here!)
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

#### Instructions:

1. **Prepping the Ham:**
– Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
– Place your beautiful ham in a roasting pan with the flat side down.
– Score the surface in a diamond pattern. This doesn’t just look pretty—it lets all that delicious glaze soak right in!

2. **Crafting the Glaze:**
– In a saucepan, combine the maple syrup, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves.
– Bring this mix to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it slightly thickens—it usually takes about 5 minutes. Remember, patience is key!

3. **Time to Glaze:**
– Pour about half of this heavenly glaze over your ham, making sure it gets into those score marks.
– Cover the ham loosely with aluminium foil to keep it nice and moist.

4. **Baking:**
– Pop it in the oven. Let the ham bake for about 2 hours.
– Every 30 minutes, baste it with more glaze. Your kitchen will start to smell irresistible—it’s okay to drool a little.

5. **The Final Touch:**
– Uncover the ham, and pour any remaining glaze over it.
– Crank up the oven to 425°F (220°C) for an additional 15-20 minutes to get that glaze beautifully caramelized. Keep a watchful eye so it doesn’t burn.

6. **Let it Rest:**
– Once done, let your masterpiece sit for about 15 minutes before carving. This resting time is crucial. It’s like letting your ham finish its spa day!

#### Personal Insights and Tips:

– **Glaze Lover Alert:** Double the glaze recipe if you’re like me and love an extra saucy dish!
– **Storing Leftovers:** Find a nice airtight container. It’ll last several days, and the flavors deepen, making the leftovers a treat!
– **Pairing Magic:** This ham pairs fantastically with some roasted veggies or a vibrant salad. Keep the sides light to make it a guilt-free Healthy Food Recipe!

There you have it—a Maple Cranberry Glazed Ham that not only impresses but aligns with our love for Healthy Food Recipes. I hope your family and friends enjoy this as much as mine do. Remember, cooking is all about love and fun, so wear that apron proudly and enjoy every moment!

Comment below on how your ham turns out or any fun twists you came up with! Until next time, happy cooking, and keep those ovens warm. 🍁✨

Love,
[Your Name]