Hello, food lovers!

Who else is loving those cool, crisp autumn days when the leaves are as golden as a freshly-baked loaf of bread? 🍁 I know I am! With cozy sweaters and pumpkin-flavored everything, this is the perfect time to dive into some hearty meals that can feed the whole family.

Today, I’ve got something truly delicious up my sleeve that perfectly balances indulgence and nutrition – homemade Honey Baked Ham. Trust me, this classic is not only a hit at holiday gatherings but a winner for everyday dinners, too. And, yes, we’re making it with a healthy spin while keeping all the sweet, savory goodness you’d expect.

### Healthy Food Recipes: Honey Baked Ham Edition

Let’s get to it, shall we? Grab your apron and let’s honey-bake some magic! 🍯

#### Ingredients:
– 1 fully cooked, bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
– 1 cup honey (local honey makes it even yummier!)
– 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1.5 teaspoons ground mustard
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon clove powder
– 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– Zest of 1 orange
– A pinch of salt
– Fresh herbs for garnish (think rosemary or thyme)

#### Step-by-Step Instructions:

**1. Prepping the Ham:**
– Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
– Score the top side of your ham in a diamond pattern. This not only makes it look fancy but also helps the glaze seep in better.

**2. Creating the Glaze:**
– In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Stir in the ground mustard, cinnamon, clove powder, nutmeg, ginger, and orange zest.
– Let it gently simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until it thickens slightly. Your kitchen will start smelling like a festival of fall flavors!

**3. Glazing and Baking:**
– Place your ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Carefully brush half of your seasonal glaze over the ham, making sure to get into the nooks and crannies (that’s where the magic happens!).
– Pop it in the oven. Bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours. But here’s the key to our healthy food recipes approach: baste every 30 minutes with more glaze! This will not only enhance that lip-smacking flavor but also keeps the ham delightfully moist.

**4. Final Touches:**
– Once cooked, let the ham rest for about 15 minutes. This prevents all those precious juices from running out once you slice into it.
– Garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant pop of color and a hint of fresh aroma.

### Personal Insights and Tips:

– **Local Ingredients:** I love using local honey not just for its quality but also for supporting local beekeepers. Plus, it makes me feel like a homestead superstar. 🌟

– **Healthier Choices:** If you’re keen on cutting more calories, you could swap half of the honey with pure maple syrup or a sugar-free alternative, just adjust to taste.

– **Side Suggestions:** Pair this with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a crunchy autumn salad topped with pomegranate seeds. These add some vibrant colors and keep things fresh on your plate.

– **Storage:** Leftovers? No worries! Honey baked ham makes incredible ham sandwiches or can be diced into a hearty soup.

Whether you’re planning for a festive meal or simply craving something special in the week, this Honey Baked Ham is a crowd-pleaser and fits right into any repertoire of Healthy Food Recipes.

I can’t wait to see you get adventurous with this recipe! If you try it, snap a pic, tag me, and share your feedback. And as always, stay healthy and eat deliciously.

Bon appétit, my friends!