### Title: Deck the Halls with Cranberry Mustard Glazed Ham: A Healthy Holiday Treat
Hello, lovely readers!
As the leaves finish their colorful dance to the ground and the chill sets in, the holiday season is officially here! 🎄 I’m thrilled to kick off the festivities with a recipe that’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a delight for your taste buds: Cranberry Mustard Glazed Ham. It’s perfect for gatherings and incredibly satisfying to serve something both scrumptious and healthy!
When we’re gathering with friends and family, it can be tempting to indulge in all the holiday favorites without thinking too much about what’s inside them. But fear not—this Cranberry Mustard Glazed Ham is a superstar from my Healthy Food Recipes collection. It brings together that sweet and savory magic we all crave without the added guilt.
**Why Cranberry Mustard?**
Cranberries are not only a holiday staple but also packed with antioxidants and vital nutrients! Mixed with a bit of spicy mustard and sweetened slightly with honey, they create a glaze that’s rich in flavor and naturally healthier than the typical sugar-heavy options.
### So, here’s what you’ll need for this delectable holiday ham:
#### Ingredients:
– 1 fully cooked bone-in half ham (about 7-9 pounds)
– 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
#### Instructions:
**Step 1: Prep the Ham**
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. This not only makes it look super fancy but also helps the glaze really soak in.
**Step 2: Make the Glaze**
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, honey, both types of mustard, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until the cranberries start to pop, and the glaze thickens—usually around 10 minutes.
**Step 3: Glaze and Bake**
Place your ham in a roasting pan and brush it all over with the cranberry mustard glaze. Cover ham loosely with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes per pound, brushing with additional glaze every 30 minutes.
**Step 4: Finishing Touches**
Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes of baking. This will give your ham that irresistible, caramelized crust. Once your kitchen smells like holiday heaven and the ham registers an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), it’s good to go!
**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
Let that ham rest for a few minutes. It deserves a breather after making your kitchen smell this good! Then slice away and serve with your favorite sides.
### Personal Insights:
Every time I make this Cranberry Mustard Glazed Ham, I’m flooded with memories of family, laughter, and the joy of making Healthy Food Recipes that nourish both body and soul. I recommend serving this with some roasted veggies or a fresh green salad for a balanced, vibrant meal. And for those with leftovers (if you’re lucky!), this ham makes a mean sandwich the next day!
One tip I’d love to share: when zesting your orange, go lightly and avoid the white pith—it can be bitter, and we want all that lovely zest to enhance our glaze.
I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this delicious Cranberry Mustard Glazed Ham as much as I do. Here’s to happy, healthy holidays!
Let me know if you try this recipe—I’d love to hear your experiences and any creative tweaks you make. Let’s keep spreading the love for vibrant, wholesome dishes with Healthy Food Recipes this season!
Stay cozy and keep those ovens busy!
Love,
[Your Name] 🍴