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### **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Ham**: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place your ham on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan. If desired, you can stud the surface of the ham with whole cloves for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation. This is optional but adds a nice touch.
2. **Score the Ham**: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This allows the glaze to seep into the meat, creating a deeper flavor.
3. **Prepare the Glaze**: In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or orange juice), cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture starts to bubble. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken. If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the glaze to thicken further.
4. **Glaze the Ham**: Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat the surface well. Place the ham in the oven and bake, uncovered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with more glaze to build up that delicious, caramelized layer.
5. **Finish the Ham**: When the ham is heated through and beautifully glazed, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and the glaze to set.
6. **Serve and Enjoy**: Slice the ham into thick, juicy pieces and drizzle with any remaining glaze. Serve with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy the sweet, savory goodness of your homemade Honey Baked Ham!
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### **Tips for the Perfect Homemade Honey Baked Ham**:
– **Choose the Right Ham**: Make sure you use a fully cooked bone-in ham for the best results. Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful and tender than boneless versions.
– **Glaze Variations**: While the classic honey-brown sugar glaze is divine, feel free to experiment. Add a splash of bourbon for a smoky kick, or stir in a little orange zest for a citrusy twist.
– **Don’t Skip the Basting**: For that signature shiny, sticky glaze, be sure to baste the ham every 30 minutes. The more you baste, the more delicious the glaze will caramelize on the surface.
– **Rest Before Slicing**: After removing the ham from the oven, let it rest before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
– **Use the Leftovers**: Don’t let any of that delicious ham go to waste! Use leftover ham for sandwiches, soups, or salads. The flavor of the glaze will still shine through, giving your leftovers a whole new life.
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### **Serving Suggestions**:
Homemade Honey Baked Ham is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday feast, a family dinner, or a Sunday gathering. Here are a few ideas for serving it:
– **Mashed Potatoes**: The creamy richness of mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory ham.
– **Roasted Vegetables**: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes would complement the ham’s flavor perfectly.
– **Salads**: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will help balance the sweetness of the ham.
– **Dinner Rolls**: Soft, buttery rolls are great for soaking up any extra glaze left on the plate.
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### **Final Thoughts**
Why spend a fortune on store-bought Honey Baked Ham when you can easily make it at home for a fraction of the cost? With this simple recipe, you can create a stunning, flavorful dish that’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just because. The sweet, sticky glaze is irresistible, and when paired with the tender, juicy ham, it’s a combination that can’t be beaten.
Once you try this homemade version, you’ll wonder why you ever considered buying the store-bought kind in the first place. Get ready to enjoy this delicious, affordable, and crowd-pleasing dish in the comfort of your own home!
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Let me know if you’d like any changes or additions to the article!
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