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#### **Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:**
– Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
– Place the ham, flat side down, in a roasting pan or large baking dish. Score the top in a crisscross diamond pattern if it’s not spiral-cut—this helps the glaze soak in.
2. **Warm the Ham:**
– Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours (roughly 10–12 minutes per pound), or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F.
3. **Make the Glaze:**
– While the ham is warming, mix all glaze ingredients in a saucepan.
– Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5–7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
– Set aside to cool slightly—it will thicken more as it cools.
4. **Glaze and Roast:**
– Remove ham from the oven and increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C).
– Brush the ham generously with the glaze, getting it into every nook and cranny.
– Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, for 20–25 minutes. Brush with more glaze every 7–10 minutes to build up a sticky, golden-brown coating.
5. **Finish and Rest:**
– When the glaze is bubbly and caramelized and the internal temp reaches 140°F, remove the ham.
– Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
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### 🧡 **Why This Ham Is So Special**
– **Incredibly Juicy**: The low-and-slow method keeps it tender and moist, while the glaze seals in flavor.
– **Beautifully Caramelized**: Thanks to the sugar and honey in the glaze, the ham develops that glossy, Instagram-worthy finish.
– **Flavorful All the Way Through**: The glaze sinks into the spiral slices or scored surface, so every bite is seasoned just right.
– **Perfect for Leftovers**: If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, this ham is *amazing* in sandwiches, omelets, fried rice, and soups.
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### 💡 **Bonus Tips:**
– For extra depth, you can add a splash of bourbon or whiskey to the glaze.
– Stud the ham with whole cloves before glazing if you love that warm, aromatic spice.
– Use the leftover glaze as a dipping sauce—it’s perfect for drizzling on slices or spooning over roasted vegetables.
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### 🥂 **Serve It Up**
Pair this ham with classic sides like:
– Scalloped potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes
– Roasted green beans or glazed carrots
– Homemade dinner rolls or cornbread
– A fresh, crisp salad with citrus vinaigrette
Finish with a light dessert like lemon bars, fruit tart, or vanilla bean ice cream to balance the richness of the meal.
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### 🎉 **Final Thoughts**
This is not just any ham—this is the kind of ham that has people asking for seconds before they finish their first slice. It’s **holiday-worthy, dinner party-ready, and simple enough for a weekend splurge**. Once you make it, you’ll never go back to a store-bought glaze again.
So go ahead, print it, save it, pin it—because this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Hands down, the best ham we’ve ever had—and soon, you’ll be saying the same.
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