
Is That A Glazed Ham Or A Disastrous Cranberry Mess?
A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. The same can be said about their kitchens. — Mahatma Gandhi.
Cranberry Glazed Ham Recipe
Glaze:
- 7 ounces jellied cranberry sauce (1/2 of a 14-ounce can)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 strips orange zest
- 2 to 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
Ham:
- 1/2 spiral-cut ham (about 9 pounds, bone-in, natural juices or no added water)
Instructions:
- Let the ham sit at room temperature for a couple of hours before cooking. This will help the ham heat more evenly in the oven with less risk of the outside edges drying out.
- Heat the ham by wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil, placing it in a roasting pan, and heating it in a 275°F oven for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until the internal temperature is 100°F. (It’s already cooked, you’re just heating it.)
- Make the glaze by placing the jellied cranberry sauce in a small saucepan on low heat. Whisk in the orange juice and brown sugar until the brown sugar is dissolved. Add the strips of orange zest. Heat until bubbly and whisk until smooth. Then remove from heat, take out the orange strips, and stir in the mustard.
- When the ham is ready, remove it from the oven. Open up the foil and paint the ham with half of the glaze. Keep the ham uncovered and return it to the oven, baking at 425°F for 10 minutes.
- Remove the ham from the oven and baste it with the remaining glaze. Return it to the oven on the lowest rack, and broil for 5 to 10 minutes (at least 6 inches away from the heating element) until the glaze is lightly browned and caramelized.
- Transfer the ham to a serving dish. Use a paring knife to cut around the bone to separate the spiral-cut slices from the bone. If you like, pour some of the remaining pan juices over the ham for added flavor.
Wine Pairing
Enjoy the cranberry glazed ham with a glass of La Crema’s 2018 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. The balanced acidity and fruit-forward flavors of the wine will complement the sweet and savory notes of the ham, creating a delightful culinary experience. Cheers!
Bon Appetit
If you’ve navigated the treacherous waters of this recipe and emerged with either a glazed ham that doesn’t resemble a shiny rubber boot or a cranberry concoction that isn’t outrightly offensive to the palate, then consider yourself a culinary magician. Eager for more adventures in the kitchen that might end in triumph or utter despair? Hit that subscribe button for a smorgasbord of culinary roulette. And if you’re feeling particularly enlightened, convinced you can transform this potential feast or fiasco into a masterpiece, share your insights in the comments. Or, perhaps, in the interest of public safety, it’s best to quietly enjoy your success or learn from your missteps in silence.
