Hey there, foodies and fellow healthy eaters!
Welcome back to my cozy corner of the internet where we explore the blend of wholesome ingredients and mouth-watering meals. Today, I’m super excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes: Brown Sugar Glazed Ham. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or just when you’re craving something sweet and savory that also fits into your Healthy Food Recipes repertoire!
### Why Brown Sugar Glazed Ham?
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Ham? Healthy? But hear me out! When you choose a good quality, lean ham and pair it with a homemade glaze, you can turn a classic comfort food into something that’s both delicious and relatively good for you. Plus, it’s just so darn satisfying when your whole house fills with that sweet, aromatic goodness!
### Ingredients You’ll Need
To start, make sure you’ve got these ingredients on hand:
– **1 fully cooked, bone-in ham (about 7-9 pounds)**
– **1 cup of brown sugar** – Opt for organic if you can to keep this recipe in line with Healthy Food Recipes.
– **1/4 cup of honey** – You could also use maple syrup for a slightly different flavor!
– **2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard** – Adds a gentle tang that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
– **1/4 teaspoon ground cloves** – Trust me, this spice is a game-changer.
– **1/4 cup apple cider vinegar** – Helps to balance the sweet glaze.
– **Optional: Pineapple slices or cherries for decoration**
### Let’s Get Cooking!
#### Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Trust me, the gradual heat helps our ham to cook evenly and keeps it juicy. Place your ham, fat side up, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. I usually line my pan with foil for easier cleanup – thank me later!
#### Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and apple cider vinegar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined. You’re creating a sticky, flavorful glaze that will caramelize beautifully on the ham.
#### Step 3: Scoring and Glazing the Ham
Before we pour on that magical glaze, use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This just means cutting shallow lines into the fat. It helps the glaze soak in and makes the presentation extra stunning.
Brush half of the glaze over the ham, making sure to get into all those little nooks and crannies. If you’re decorating with pineapple and cherries, now’s the time to skewer those on with toothpicks!
#### Step 4: Into the Oven It Goes!
Cover your ham loosely with foil and bake it in the preheated oven. You’ll want to estimate about 15 minutes per pound. Your kitchen is going to smell heavenly, and that’s only going to get stronger when…
#### Step 5: Glaze Again
About 30-45 minutes before the ham is done, remove the foil and brush on the remaining glaze. This step caramelizes the sauce and gives the ham a beautiful, glossy finish.
#### Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Once your ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, making every slice as succulent as the next.
Slice it up and serve with your favorite healthy sides – maybe a fresh green salad or some roasted sweet potatoes? Yum!
### Personal Insights
When I first started making this, I was worried that the sugar would be too much, but the smattering of cloves and the tangy mustard balance it out perfectly. Each time I make it, I’m reminded that classic flavors never go out of style, especially when it comes to Healthy Food Recipes that feel like a treat.
Plus, the leftovers are a dream! Use them in sandwiches, omelets, or even chop up finely for a quick addition to a salad or soup. Talk about versatility!
So, there you have it, my friends. A sweet, savory dish that’s sure to impress and maybe even convince your loved ones that Healthy Food Recipes can include a slice or two of indulgence. I hope you give this Brown Sugar Glazed Ham a try soon. Let me know how it goes and be sure to share your kitchen adventures in the comments below!
Until next time, happy cooking! 🍽️