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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Prepare the Ham:**
If your ham isn’t already scored, use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern on the surface of the ham. This allows the glaze to soak in and creates a beautiful presentation. You can also stud the ham with whole cloves at this point if you like the traditional look and added flavor.
#### 2. **Make the Glaze:**
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg. Whisk everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly. If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the glaze, letting it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until thickened.
#### 3. **Place the Ham in the Slow Cooker:**
Place your ham in the slow cooker, fat side up. Pour half of the prepared glaze over the ham, ensuring it’s evenly coated. If you prefer, you can brush the glaze on for more control over coverage.
#### 4. **Cook the Ham:**
Cover the slow cooker and cook the ham on low for 6-8 hours. Since the ham is already cooked, you’re simply reheating it and letting it absorb the flavors of the glaze. Every 1-2 hours, use a spoon or baster to pour more of the glaze over the ham to keep it moist and flavorful.
#### 5. **Finish and Serve:**
After 6-8 hours, the ham should be tender and fully heated through. Remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then, slice the ham against the grain into thick slices.
Drizzle the remaining glaze over the sliced ham and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
### Tips for a Perfect Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham:
– **Choose the Right Ham:** A bone-in ham works best for this recipe, as it tends to be more flavorful and juicy than boneless hams. Make sure it’s fully cooked before beginning, as you’re only reheating and glazing it.
– **Customize the Glaze:** The glaze is highly customizable! If you prefer a sweeter glaze, increase the amount of brown sugar or add a splash of maple syrup. If you like it tangy, add more apple cider vinegar. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for some heat.
– **For Extra Flavor:** Try studding the ham with cloves or adding a sprig of fresh rosemary to the slow cooker for a fragrant touch.
– **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. This makes the day of your event a little less hectic.
### Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham:
This *Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham* is a holiday favorite because it combines ease with flavor. The slow cooking process keeps the ham tender and juicy, while the sweet and tangy glaze elevates the flavor to perfection. The best part is that it frees up your oven and stove, allowing you to focus on other dishes or spend more time with family and friends.
The glaze itself, with its mix of brown sugar, mustard, and maple syrup, creates a beautiful balance of sweetness and tang. The slow cooker ensures that the ham absorbs all these flavors, resulting in a succulent, flavorful roast that’s hard to beat.
### Serving Suggestions:
– Serve the ham alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite holiday sides like stuffing or green beans.
– For a complete holiday meal, pair with fresh bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious glaze.
– Leftovers can be used in sandwiches, salads, or even in soups and casseroles.
### Final Thoughts:
This *Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham* is the perfect dish for any holiday or family gathering. It’s an easy-to-make, flavorful centerpiece that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas feast, Easter dinner, or just looking for a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this ham is a winner.
Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! I’m sure it will become a holiday staple in your kitchen for years to come.
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