A Delicious
Christmas Ham Recipe

This fragrant Christmas Ham recipe makes an excellent alternative to Roast Turkey for the festive table. Plus it's a wonderful addition to a Boxing Day meal when everyone tends to be just a little over-dosed on turkey! It's also perfect for other family occasions such as Thanksgiving, New Years Day Buffet or Easter

Always follow the supplier's instructions for soaking. Generally it is recommended to soak a ham for 24 hours in cold water, changing the water occasionally. This process removes any excess salt.

This easy to follow Christmas ham recipe can be prepared several days in advance. Once completely cold, cover and refrigerate until required.

Gourmet food........the EASY way!

Oven Baked Ham Glazed with Honey, Mustard and Cloves

1 whole ham about 12 to 16lb (5.5 to 7.2kg)
about 24 whole cloves
2 level tablespoons made-up English mustard
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ cup (4 tablespoons) clear honey
2 teaspoons finely grated orange rind

METHOD

• Preheat the oven to 160C/350F/gas mark 3
  

• Drain the ham from the water.
  

• Using 2 large pieces of tin foil, and arrange one lengthways and the other widthways over a large roasting tin. Now place the ham in the center of the foil and bring first the widthways piece and form a loose pleat. Repeat the same with the lengthways piece. This will form a loose tent around the ham allowing the hot air to circulate.
  

• Place the roasting tin in the oven and bake the ham for 20 minutes per pound (450g). It is not necessary to baste during this time.
  

• About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time remove the ham from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 220C/425F/gas mark 7.
  

• Carefully lift the ham out of the roasting tin and onto a board. Remove the foil, carefully draining off the hot juices.
  

• Using a sharp knife, cut of the skin (rind) and discard. Use a clean cloth to protect your hands from the heat.
  

• Lightly score the fat with a knife diagonally one way and then diagonally the other way to create a diamond pattern.
  

• Now stud each diamond with a clove, pushing them firmly into the fat.
  

• Mix together the honey, mustard, orange zest and allspice. Pour over the ham and using the back of a spoon, spread it evenly all over.
  

• Return the ham to the roasting tin (now drained of its juices). Put it back into the hot oven for the last 30 minutes to allow the glaze to turn a golden mahogany color.
  

• Allow to rest for 30 minutes before carving......your Christmas ham recipe is complete!

TIP
This aromatic Christmas ham recipe will produce a lot of cooking juices which can be used later. Once completely cold and refrigerated, the bacon fat will solidify and can be used for frying. Plus the fragrant juices are wonderful for enriching a home made soup.

If there happens to be any ham left over after the meal, allow it to cool, then cover and refrigerate. It's an ideal filling for some delicious ham sandwiches.

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