Hello, fellow food enthusiasts!
As the leaves change and the air gets crisp, it’s the perfect time to gather with loved ones and indulge in some heartwarming meals. Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite dishes that manages to be both a comforting classic and a healthier option—Honey-Mustard Glazed Ham. Yes, you heard that right! This recipe combines sweet, savory, tangy flavors and a secret twist to keep things nutritious.
This Honey-Mustard Glazed Ham is not only a crowd-pleaser but also fits right into our Healthy Food Recipes collection. It’s a great choice for any festive gathering or a Sunday family dinner.
Let’s dive in, shall we? Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
### Ingredients:
For the ham:
– 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 7-8 pounds)
– Whole cloves (optional)
For the glaze:
– 1/3 cup honey
– 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
– Black pepper to taste
### Instructions:
1. **Preheat and Prep**:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While the oven’s warming up, unwrap the ham and pat it dry with paper towels. If your ham has a rind, it’s best to trim it off. You can score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and stud it with cloves for an aromatic touch if you like. Trust me, once you try Honey-Mustard Glazed Ham this way, you’ll never go back!
2. **Mix the Glaze**:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, fresh thyme, and a dash of black pepper. This blend hits all the right nodes to create a glaze that’s sticky, sweet, and zesty.
**Tip**: If you’re a flavor adventurer, try adding a pinch of cayenne for a mild kick!
3. **Glaze the Ham**:
Place your ham on a roasting rack in a baking dish. Brush the first coating of glaze evenly over the ham. I like to be generous here because, let’s be real, the glaze is the star of the show.
**Quick Insight**: Back in the day, my grandma told me that glazing a ham is like putting a cherry on top of a sundae. It’s all about that finishing touch, and when you make the glaze with healthy ingredients like ours, the sundae suddenly becomes part of a collection of Healthy Food Recipes!
4. **Bake Away**:
Pop the ham in the oven and bake it for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Every 30 minutes, give it a fresh coat of glaze to build up that beautiful, glossy finish we all adore. Keep an eye on it, and cover it with foil if it starts browning too quickly. We want a golden-brown beauty, not an overdone cube of charcoal!
5. **Carve and Serve**:
Once done, let your gloriously Honey-Mustard Glazed Ham rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This crucial step retains those juices and ensures your ham is moist and tender. Serve with your favorite sides—maybe some roasted Brussels sprouts or a colorful salad to keep things light and in line with our theme of Healthy Food Recipes.
### Personal Insight:
This recipe takes me back to cozy holiday dinners at my grandmother’s house, where good food was the language of love. Creating a lighter version of this dish was my way of honoring family traditions while embracing a healthier lifestyle. It’s always a hit with the family, who are none the wiser to the healthier twists. And let’s face it, when something smells this good, the kitchen becomes an instant magnet for guests!
So there you have it, folks! A delicious Honey-Mustard Glazed Ham that’s sure to impress and fits right into your collection of Healthy Food Recipes. Give it a whirl this season and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing your variations and feedback!
Until next time, happy cooking and even happier eating!
Warmly,
[Your Name]