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### Instructions for Slow Cooker Christmas Ham
#### 1. **Prepare the Ham**
Start by preparing the ham. If your ham comes with a skin, remove it, but leave the fat on for flavor and moisture. Score the fat in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. This allows the glaze to penetrate the meat and creates an appealing look for your finished ham. If you’d like, you can stud the ham with whole **cloves** in the intersections of the diamond cuts for extra flavor.
#### 2. **Make the Glaze**
In a small saucepan, combine the **brown sugar**, **maple syrup**, **Dijon mustard**, **apple cider vinegar**, **soy sauce**, and any spices you wish to use (cinnamon, cloves, and ginger are great options for a festive flavor). Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved, and the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat.
#### 3. **Prepare the Slow Cooker**
Place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up, so the fat can baste the meat as it cooks. Pour about **1/4 to 1/3** of the glaze over the ham. Use a brush or spoon to coat the ham evenly with the glaze, making sure it gets into the scored sections.
#### 4. **Cook the Ham**
Cover the slow cooker and set it to **low heat**. Cook the ham for **4-6 hours**, depending on the size of the ham. Since the ham is already fully cooked, the goal is to warm it through and allow the glaze to soak in, making the ham juicy and flavorful.
If you have time, baste the ham with more glaze every hour to build up the flavor and create a thick, sticky layer on top.
#### 5. **Finish and Serve**
Once the ham has finished cooking, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Place it on a cutting board and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the ham stays moist and tender.
Before serving, drizzle the remaining glaze over the sliced ham for an extra burst of flavor. If you’d like, you can garnish the ham with some **fresh herbs**, such as rosemary or thyme, or even a few **orange slices** for a festive touch.
### Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Christmas Ham
– **Choose the Right Ham**: Opt for a **fully cooked bone-in ham** for the best results. Bone-in hams are generally more flavorful and tender compared to boneless hams. Also, ensure your ham is of an appropriate size for your slow cooker—typically, a 5-7 pound ham works well for most standard slow cookers.
– **Use a Meat Thermometer**: If you’re unsure when the ham is fully heated, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach **140°F (60°C)** to ensure it’s heated through.
– **Flavor Variations**: The glaze recipe is highly customizable. For a spicier kick, add **chipotle powder** or **cayenne pepper** to the glaze. If you prefer a fruitier glaze, you can substitute some of the syrup with **pineapple juice** or **orange juice**.
– **Rest the Ham Before Carving**: Allowing the ham to rest after removing it from the slow cooker ensures that the juices settle, keeping your slices moist and flavorful.
### Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Christmas Ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making it the perfect main course for a holiday meal. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:
– **Roasted Vegetables**: Serve the ham alongside **roasted Brussels sprouts**, **carrots**, and **parsnips** for a colorful and flavorful vegetable side.
– **Mashed Potatoes**: Classic **mashed potatoes** or **garlic mashed potatoes** are a perfect match with ham, especially when topped with a bit of the savory ham drippings.
– **Cranberry Sauce**: A tangy, sweet **cranberry sauce** will complement the richness of the ham and add a fresh burst of flavor.
– **Dinner Rolls**: Soft and fluffy **dinner rolls** or **biscuits** are great for soaking up the extra glaze and juices from the ham.
– **Green Beans**: Fresh **green beans** sautéed with **garlic** and **almonds** add a nice crunch and balance to the meal.
### Final Thoughts: Effortless Holiday Magic
Making your Christmas ham in a slow cooker is a game-changer for the holiday season. It’s a no-fuss method that ensures your ham is tender, flavorful, and juicy without spending hours in the kitchen. With the slow cooker doing all the work, you can focus on spending time with family and enjoying the festivities.
The rich, sweet glaze will add that perfect touch of flavor, while the slow-cooked ham is guaranteed to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner or enjoying an intimate holiday gathering, this slow-cooked Christmas ham is sure to become a beloved tradition on your holiday table. Happy holidays, and enjoy your delicious Christmas feast!
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