Hey there, fellow foodies! 🍏🍖
Autumn is in full swing, and you know what that means—apple season is here! If you’re like me, you’re eagerly searching for ways to incorporate those crisp, juicy apples into every meal. Today, I’m super excited to share a recipe that’s not only scrumptious but also falls right into our *Healthy Food Recipes* collection. Yep, we’re making Apple Spiced Ham with Baked Apples! Trust me, this dish will fill your kitchen with the coziest aromas and leave your taste buds doing a happy dance.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First things first, let’s talk about why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table. It’s a delightful mix of sweet and savory, with a simple glaze that infuses the ham with warm autumn spices. Plus, pairing it with baked apples adds a naturally sweet and nutritious side. This is one of those *Healthy Food Recipes* that proves eating well doesn’t have to be bland or boring.
### What You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make this magical dish:
#### For the Ham:
– 1 boneless ham (about 2-3 pounds)
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– Salt and pepper to taste
#### For the Baked Apples:
– 4 medium apples, cored and cut into halves (I love using Honeycrisp or Gala!)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar (because we can’t always be angelic)
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– A squeeze of lemon juice
– A sprinkle of your favorite nuts (optional, but highly recommended!)
### Let’s Cook!
#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, let’s get cracking on the ham!
#### Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. We’re going for a glaze that’s thick enough to coat the ham but thin enough to seep into all the nooks and crannies.
#### Step 3: Glaze the Ham
Place the ham in a baking dish, fatty side up. Pour half of the glaze over it, making sure to get some on all sides. Save the rest for basting later on. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
#### Step 4: Bake the Ham
Place the ham in the preheated oven. It will need about 1.5 to 2 hours. Here’s a little tip: Baste the ham with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes to keep it juicy and packed with flavor.
#### Step 5: Prepare the Baked Apples
While your ham is baking, it’s time to give those apples some love. Toss your apple halves with brown sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice in a bowl. The lemon helps to balance the sweetness and keep the apples from turning brown.
#### Step 6: Bake Apples
About 30 minutes before your ham is done, pop those apple halves around the ham in the baking dish. They’ll soak up some of the delicious juices from the ham and become tender and fragrant. #Yum
### Serving and Suggestions
Once everything is beautifully baked and your kitchen smells like an autumn dream, it’s time to plate up your creation. Slice the ham and serve with those perfectly tender baked apples. Add a sprinkle of nuts for that lovely crunch, and there you have it—a *Healthy Food Recipes* masterpiece!
### A Few Quick Tips:
– **Leftovers Are Gold:** The leftovers (if you have any!) make for fantastic sandwiches or as a protein-packed addition to a salad.
– **Apple Variety Matters:** Different apple varieties will lend different flavors—if you like a more tart apple, Granny Smiths will do the trick!
– **Too Sweet?** If you’re not a fan of super sweet glazes, reduce the honey or brown sugar by a tablespoon.
So there you go, my friends! A healthy, hearty, and autumn-perfect dish that celebrates the glorious apple in all its glory. Let me know in the comments how you liked it, and feel free to share any tweaks you made!
Happy cooking, and remember, keep those *Healthy Food Recipes* rolling!
Catch you later,
[Your Name] 🍏