Glazed Ham

A Housewives' Holiday Ham: Sweet, Savory, and Simply Delicious

The holidays are a whirlwind. Between the shopping, the decorating, the family gatherings, and the inevitable last-minute scramble, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This year, I decided to simplify things in the kitchen. I wanted a dish that was both impressive and relatively stress-free – a centerpiece worthy of the celebration, but without the endless hours of prep work. And that's where this glazed ham recipe came in.

I’ve always loved the aroma of a ham baking in the oven – that sweet, smoky scent that fills the house with the promise of a delicious meal. But let’s be honest, sometimes the thought of wrestling with a bone-in ham is enough to send me running for the takeout menu. This recipe, however, is different. It's surprisingly easy to follow, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. The orange glaze, with its hint of bourbon and spice, is the perfect complement to the richness of the ham. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, sparking conversation and creating lasting memories. The aroma alone is enough to make everyone feel festive.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While the original recipe suggests using a specific type of ham, I’ve found that it works equally well with other cuts of pork. I’ve experimented with bone-in pork loins, and the results were just as delicious. The cooking time might need a slight adjustment, but the amazing glaze remains the star of the show. For a busy homemaker like myself, adaptability is key. The holiday season is stressful enough without being restricted to specific ingredients or inflexible timings. This recipe empowers me to adjust to my own schedule and available ingredients.

One of the things I truly appreciate about this recipe is the simplicity of the glaze. It's made with ingredients that are readily available, even in a smaller grocery store. I often find myself improvising, substituting guava jelly with apple jelly or even apricot depending on what’s on sale or in my pantry. This flexibility means it’s less likely I'll need to make a special trip to a specialty store just for one ingredient. And this is precisely the recipe one needs when juggling shopping and everything else that comes with the holiday season.

Beyond the practicality, the result of the dish is something to be proud of. The glistening glaze coats the ham beautifully, creating a stunning visual that elevates the entire meal. The combination of sweet and savory flavours is simply irresistible. It's the type of dish that not only tastes amazing but also looks impressive on the table – perfect for impressing guests without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that makes me feel like a culinary goddess – even if the truth is that it takes less than an hour of actual work.

So, this holiday season, give yourself a break. Skip the complicated recipes and embrace the simplicity of this glazed ham. It's a recipe that’s perfect for busy women who want to create a memorable holiday meal without sacrificing quality or flavor. It's the perfect balance of ease and elegance, leaving you free to enjoy the company of your loved ones and the true spirit of the season. The leftovers are amazing too. A quick breakfast sandwich, or maybe a salad addition. The possibilities are endless and just as satisfying. Let this recipe become your new holiday tradition, a symbol of deliciousness and stress-free cooking.

This recipe isn’t just for the holidays, though. It's versatile enough to be used for any special occasion or even a casual weekend dinner. The rich flavors and impressive presentation make it a crowd-pleaser anytime. And trust me, that’s something worth celebrating all year round.

So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed. And remember, the most important ingredient in any holiday meal is the love and laughter you share with those you cherish. Happy cooking!

Step-by-step

• Position a rack in the lower third of oven and preheat to 325°F.
• Using a sharp knife, score the fat covering the ham in a 3/4-inch-wide diamond pattern (do not cut into the meat). Place the ham in a 10-by-14-inch roasting pan and add 1 cup water. Roast the ham for 2 hours.
• While the ham is roasting, prepare the glaze: In a heavy, medium saucepan over moderately low heat, combine 1 cup orange juice, brown sugar, and bourbon. Bring to a simmer and continue simmering for 10 minutes. Add the guava or apple jelly, shallots, allspice, and cloves, and continue simmering until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Add the orange zest and the remaining 1 cup orange juice, and bring to a boil. Continue boiling until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add the orange slices and fresh ginger, and cook until the orange slices are tender, about 2 minutes.
• Once the ham has been in the oven for two hours, drape the glazed orange slices over the ham, securing them with toothpicks, and brush the ham and oranges with about 1/2 cup of glaze, reserving the remainder for serving. Continue roasting the ham until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 145°F, about 30 minutes.
• Remove the toothpicks from the ham and arrange the orange slices on a platter. Slice the ham and arrange on top of the oranges. Warm the remaining glaze and serve alongside.