Hey there, lovely readers!
I hope you’re all having a fabulous day! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a scrumptious recipe for Honey Brown Sugar Ham that’s perfect for any gathering, big or small. This is one of those Healthy Food Recipes that tastes indulgent without stretching your guilt-o-meter too far. Trust me, you’ll want to bookmark this one for the upcoming holidays or any cozy family dinner.
First things first, let’s talk ham! I’m using a spiral-cut ham for this recipe because it makes serving so much easier and the glaze seeps beautifully between the slices. Whether you’re team bone-in or boneless, just make sure it’s fully cooked. This gives you that yummy texture where all the honey, brown sugar, and spices can shine.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the magic!
### Honey Brown Sugar Ham Recipe 🌟
#### Ingredients:
– 1 fully cooked spiral-cut ham (7–10 pounds)
– 1 cup honey (try to go for local if you can!)
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– A pinch of nutmeg
#### Instructions:
**Step 1: Prep the Ham**
Unwrap your beautiful ham and pat it dry with some paper towels. This helps the glaze stick even better. Place it cut-side down in a roasting pan. You don’t need to stress about fancy pans; any medium-deep oven-safe dish will do!
**Step 2: Craft Your Glaze**
Combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a saucepan. Bring this to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until everything is beautifully melted together – think of it as a cozy autumn afternoon walk…but for your taste buds.
**Step 3: Coat That Ham!**
Pour about half of this delicious glaze over the ham, letting it seep into all the lovely slices. Pro tip: use a pastry brush to get into all the nooks and crannies. Cover the whole thing with tin foil and let it marinate in its yumminess.
**Step 4: Time to Bake**
Pop your ham into a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C). Bake for about 10–15 minutes per pound, basting every 20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, remove that foil to let the sugars caramelize nicely.
**Step 5: Final Glaze Burst**
In the last 20 minutes, give it one last basting with the rest of your glaze. This step takes your ham from “yum” to “YUM!” The sugars create this tasty sheen that will make everybody drool.
**Step 6: Let it Rest & Serve**
Once cooked to perfection, take out your ham and let it rest for a good 15 minutes before slicing. This little wait lets all those juices redistribute – a tasty science, if you will. Garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color. Voila!
### Personal Insights
Now, I know ham is a bit of a splurge, but every slice is worth it. Plus, leftovers are a gift that keeps on giving. Imagine ham-stuffed omelets the next morning, anyone? Yes, please! I often find this recipe makes me the holiday feast hero, which is a title I’ll happily wear.
A quick bit about storing: Make sure to refrigerate any leftovers promptly in an airtight container to keep them fresh for days. And to further tick that Healthy Food Recipes box, pair your ham with some light side dishes like roasted veggies or a crisp green salad.
I hope you give this Honey Brown Sugar Ham recipe a whirl. Trust me, it’s so good, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance. If you do try it, don’t forget to drop a comment below or tag me in your foodie photos. I can’t wait to see your golden creations!
Keep it tasty, keep it cozy, and remember, you deserve every delicious bite.
Happy cooking!
[Your Name] 🍴