Festive Delight: Christmas Day Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham"

 

Introduction: This Christmas, add a touch of culinary magic to your festive table with a delectable Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham. Bursting with holiday flavors, this succulent ham, glazed to perfection, will be the star of your Christmas Day feast. Let's embark on a journey of flavors and create a dish that will leave your guests craving more.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7-8 pounds)
• 1 cup whole cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup orange marmalade
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• Zest of one orange
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ham:

   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
   • Place the ham in a roasting pan, fat side up. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife, about 1/4-inch deep.

2. Make the Glaze:

   • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberry sauce, orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, whole-grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and orange zest.
   • Stir the mixture until well combined and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.

3. Glaze the Ham:

   • Brush a generous layer of the cranberry-orange glaze over the scored ham, ensuring it gets into the cuts for maximum flavor.
   • Reserve some glaze for basting during the cooking process.

4. Bake to Perfection:

   • Cover the ham with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches about 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the reserved glaze every 30 minutes.

5. Final Touch:

   • For the last 15-20 minutes of baking, uncover the ham to allow the glaze to caramelize and form a beautiful, shiny crust.
   • If desired, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for an extra touch of holiday charm.

6. Let it Rest:

   • Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Slice the ham, drizzle with any remaining glaze, and serve alongside your favorite Christmas side dishes. Enjoy the symphony of flavors and the festive spirit at your holiday table.

Conclusion:

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham is a culinary masterpiece that will elevate your Christmas Day feast. The combination of sweet cranberries, zesty orange, and aromatic spices creates a harmonious blend that's sure to impress your guests. As you savor this festive delight, may it add warmth and joy to your Christmas celebration!