Holiday Ham with Riesling and Mustard

A Holiday Ham That's Simply Divine

As a busy professional, time is my most precious commodity. I’m always searching for recipes that deliver impressive results without demanding hours in the kitchen. This holiday ham recipe, however, is a luxurious exception – worth every minute. While it involves some hands-on time, the payoff is a succulent, flavourful ham that's a guaranteed showstopper.

I love the elegance of this dish. The sweet and savory glaze, crafted with Riesling and mustard, elevates the ham beyond the ordinary. This isn't your grandma's ham (although I bet she’d love it too!). The Riesling adds a subtle fruitiness that beautifully complements the smoky richness of the ham, while the mustard provides a delightful tang that cuts through the richness. The process itself isn't overly complicated, but the attention to detail, like scoring the fat and basting diligently, truly makes the difference.

The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a cozy holiday gathering. I imagine myself serving this to my friends after a long, busy week, enjoying good conversation and the warmth of company. It's a dish that inspires connection and creates memories. Beyond its festive appeal, the leftover ham is fantastic too! I often use the leftover ham to create delicious sandwiches or add it to soups and stews, extending the deliciousness beyond the initial feast.

The Best Part? The ease of preparation. While there are several steps involved, none are particularly difficult. I love that I can do much of the prep work ahead of time, ensuring that on the day itself, I can focus on enjoying the company of my loved ones. The recipe is easily adaptable too – you can adjust the ingredients according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. I've experimented with different types of mustard, and each time, the results have been exceptional.

This ham isn't just a centerpiece for a holiday meal; it's a symbol of gathering and sharing. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, creating moments of connection and celebration. I highly recommend it. The taste is unforgettable, and the feeling it evokes is priceless.

I often serve the ham with simple sides, letting the star of the show shine. Roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, and crusty bread are all excellent companions. This recipe has quickly become a tradition in my circle of friends, and I can’t wait to prepare it again this year. Give it a try; you won't regret it.

This recipe makes for a perfect centerpiece at your holiday gathering or family dinner. The aroma alone will fill your home with the comforting scents of the holidays. The best part is the simplicity of it. While it does have steps, the method is easy to follow.

After a long day, coming home to the beautiful aroma of this ham is incredibly relaxing. I find it to be a very meditative and fulfilling process. From the preparation to the final plating, everything about this recipe is calming. The best recipes are the ones that not only bring joy to those who eat them but also provide therapeutic value to the cook.

I encourage you to not just follow this recipe but to really engage with the process. Feel the satisfaction of scoring the ham, the anticipation of the basting, and the pride of serving a truly memorable dish. This ham is more than just food; it's an experience. It's a celebration of food, family, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal together.

Step-by-step

• Arrange a rack in the lowest level of oven; preheat to 300°F.
• Leaving fat intact, remove outer rind from most of ham, leaving a band around the end of the shank bone.
• Score fat crosswise (do not cut into meat) on top of ham with parallel cuts spaced 1/2" apart.
• Place ham in a large roasting pan.
• Boil 1 cup Riesling and 7 cups water in a saucepan for 5 minutes.
• Pour into bottom of roasting pan.
• Bake ham, basting with pan juices occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into center of ham registers 110°F, 2 1/2-3 hours.
• Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.
• Add shallots and thyme sprigs; cook, stirring often, until shallots are very soft, about 10 minutes.
• Remove pan from heat; stir in the remaining 1 cup Riesling.
• Return to stove. Increase heat to medium-high, bring to a simmer, and cook until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 8 minutes.
• Remove the thyme sprigs and transfer mixture to a food processor.
• Add thyme leaves, mustard, honey, pepper, and salt.
• Process until well blended.
• Remove pan from oven and increase heat to 350°F.
• Using a pastry brush, spread Riesling mixture over ham.
• Return pan to oven and bake ham, tenting with foil if browning too quickly, until internal temperature registers 135°F and crust is golden brown, 15-30 minutes.
• Transfer ham to a large platter.
• Let rest for 30 minutes before carving.
• Skim fat from pan juices, reheat, and pour juices into a medium pitcher; serve alongside.