Brown Sugar Ham Glaze

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Ham**:
If you’re using a pre-cooked ham (which is common for holidays), make sure to score the surface of the ham with shallow cuts in a diamond pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate the meat and creates a beautiful presentation once the glaze is applied.

#### 2. **Make the Brown Sugar Glaze**:
In a small saucepan, combine the **brown sugar**, **mustard**, **apple cider vinegar**, and **honey**. Stir well over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved, and the mixture comes to a simmer. Allow the glaze to cook for 3-4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.

If you like a bit of extra warmth and spice in your glaze, add the **ground cloves** and **cinnamon**. These spices add an aromatic depth that complements the sweetness of the glaze and works wonderfully with the flavors of the ham. If you want a richer glaze, you can also add the **butter** at this stage, stirring until it’s melted and incorporated.

#### 3. **Glaze the Ham**:
Once the glaze has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and set it aside. Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the ham, making sure it coats the surface and fills in the scored cuts. Save some of the glaze for later basting.

#### 4. **Bake the Ham**:
Place the ham in a preheated oven at **325°F (165°C)**. Bake according to the package instructions or for about 15-18 minutes per pound, basting the ham with the glaze every 20-30 minutes to ensure that it caramelizes and forms a sticky, golden crust.

As the ham bakes, the glaze will bubble and thicken, creating a deliciously glossy finish. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, but don’t be afraid to let the glaze get nice and caramelized for that beautiful color and flavor.

#### 5. **Serve**:
Once the ham has finished baking and is beautifully glazed, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving, which helps retain the juices. Serve slices of the ham with the caramelized glaze drizzled over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

### Why Brown Sugar Ham Glaze Works:

– **Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy**: The combination of brown sugar and vinegar is the perfect marriage of sweetness and acidity. The vinegar cuts through the richness of the ham, while the brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that forms a beautiful caramelized layer.
– **Enhances the Ham’s Flavor**: While the ham itself is already flavorful, this glaze adds layers of complexity, making each bite of ham more exciting and delicious.
– **Caramelized Finish**: The glaze’s sugar content ensures that when baked, the ham’s surface becomes golden and sticky, giving it a delectable, crispy exterior that contrasts with the tender meat inside.

### Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Ham Glaze:

– **Adjust the Sweetness**: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, feel free to add a little more brown sugar or honey. On the flip side, if you like your glaze with more tang, increase the amount of vinegar or mustard.
– **Use a Meat Thermometer**: To ensure that your ham is fully cooked and at the right temperature (140°F or 60°C for pre-cooked ham), use a meat thermometer. This prevents overcooking while allowing the glaze to caramelize beautifully.
– **Save the Drippings**: After baking the ham, the pan will have flavorful drippings left behind. You can mix these with any leftover glaze to create a sauce to serve alongside the ham or pour over mashed potatoes.
– **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the glaze ahead of time! Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when you’re ready to glaze your ham. This saves time and makes the cooking process even easier.

### Variations and Additions:

– **Add Orange Juice**: For a citrusy twist, add a tablespoon of fresh orange juice to the glaze. The acidity of the orange complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and enhances the flavor of the ham.
– **Add Bourbon or Rum**: For an extra depth of flavor, add a splash of bourbon or rum to the glaze. This adds a subtle smoky sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory ham.
– **Spicy Kick**: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat to balance the sweetness.

### Final Thoughts:

This **Brown Sugar Ham Glaze** is a simple yet game-changing addition to your holiday meals or any special occasion. It adds a deep, caramelized flavor to the ham, making it the star of the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a large family gathering or just making a Sunday dinner extra special, this glaze will elevate your ham to a whole new level.

With its easy-to-follow steps and ability to enhance the natural flavors of the ham, this **Brown Sugar Ham Glaze** recipe is one you’ll want to make every time you bake a ham. Sweet, tangy, and wonderfully sticky, it’s a glaze that everyone will love!