Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Strawberries

A Busy Mom's Guide to a Festive and Flavorful Glazed Ham

The holidays are a whirlwind. Between managing work deadlines, school events, and family gatherings, finding time to cook a delicious, impressive meal can feel like an impossible task. But what if I told you there's a way to create a stunning centerpiece that’s both impressive and surprisingly easy? Let me introduce you to my go-to holiday ham, a glazed masterpiece that's guaranteed to impress your guests without stressing you out. This recipe isn't just about the ham; it's about reclaiming precious time and enjoying the holiday season without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Forget complicated recipes and endless prep work. This glazed ham recipe, featuring a vibrant blend of sweet and tangy pineapple and strawberries, is your secret weapon for effortless holiday entertaining. The key is using high-quality ingredients – a good bone-in ham is the foundation of this dish – and a few simple techniques that elevate the flavor without adding unnecessary complexity. The beautiful thing is that much of the cooking happens while you're busy with other holiday tasks, allowing you to focus on spending quality time with loved ones instead of slaving away in the kitchen.

The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with festive cheer. The sweet and savory glaze, infused with the juicy sweetness of pineapple and strawberries, creates a harmonious balance of flavors that complements the rich, savory ham perfectly. I love the visual appeal too; those glistening pineapple rings, perfectly broiled, add a touch of elegance that elevates the presentation. And let's not forget the convenience. This recipe requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to manage other pressing holiday commitments.

I've perfected this recipe over the years, adapting it to fit my busy schedule while ensuring it still delivers on flavor and presentation. I’ve tried numerous glazes, and this combination of brown sugar, mustard, and a touch of cornstarch is simply the best! The cornstarch helps thicken the glaze, creating a delicious, sticky coating that clings to the ham, delivering an explosion of flavors with every bite. And the best part? The leftovers are just as delicious, perfect for sandwiches or a quick snack on a busy day.

This isn't just a recipe; it's a time-saver, a stress reliever, and a delicious way to impress your guests. It’s about creating beautiful memories and enjoying the company of those you love, without the added pressure of a complicated culinary project. This holiday season, reclaim your time and create a festive feast with this easy, yet impressive, glazed ham. It's the perfect centerpiece for a memorable holiday celebration. So, go ahead, try it out, and enjoy the compliments that are sure to follow!

Serving Suggestions: Serve your glazed ham with your favorite holiday sides, from creamy mashed potatoes and savory green bean casserole to a simple salad and crusty bread. The sweetness of the glaze pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet accompaniments, allowing you to create a balanced and delicious holiday spread.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will save you precious time on the day of your gathering. You can also partially cook the ham earlier in the day and then finish it off just before serving, further reducing the time you spend in the kitchen on the actual day.

Storage: Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the leftover ham for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.

Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fruits in the glaze. Cranberries, cherries, or apricots would all be delicious additions. You can also adjust the amount of brown sugar to control the sweetness level. If you prefer a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

More than just a holiday ham, this is a testament to the power of simple cooking and the joy of creating something delicious without sacrificing your precious time. It's about celebrating the season, savoring every moment, and enjoying the company of those you cherish most.

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Pour 1 inch of water into a baking dish.
• Place ham flat-side down into the baking dish.
• Slice diagonal squares over the top.
• Insert cloves into the diagonal points.
• Combine pie filling, brown sugar, and mustard in a bowl, mashing the strawberries as you stir.
• Mix 2 tablespoons pineapple juice from the can with cornstarch in a separate bowl; add to the strawberry mixture.
• Stir; final texture should be fairly thick.
• Spread mixture over the ham.
• Pour remaining pineapple juice on top, taking care not to rinse off the glaze.
• Tent ham with aluminum foil to help retain moisture.
• Bake in the preheated oven, basting ham occasionally with the juices, until an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone reads at least 130 degrees F (54 degrees C), 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
• Set oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
• Anchor pineapple slices with toothpicks onto ham.
• Broil in the oven until slightly browned, about 10 minutes.
• Remove ham from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing from the smallest end to the center.