If you’re looking for a twist on the traditional Christmas ham recipe, try glazing it with maple and bourbon this year. Preheat the oven to 325°F and let the ham come up to room temperature for an hour before scoring it in a diamond pattern. Prepare the glaze by mixing maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. Generously brush the glaze over the ham and bake it for about two hours, basting it with the glaze every 20 minutes. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving it and serving it with the remaining glaze.

A Twist on Traditional Christmas Ham: Glazed with Maple and Bourbon

Introduction:

The Christmas season is all about traditions, and one of the beloved holiday traditions is a juicy, succulent ham. But, sticking to the traditional recipe can get a little boring year after year. This year, why not try a twist on the traditional ham recipe? Glaze your ham with the sweet, syrupy flavor of maple and the boldness of bourbon. This recipe is sure to make your Christmas ham a standout dish at your dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked ham
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven at 325°F

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Meanwhile, take out the ham from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about an hour.

Step 2: Score the Ham

Take a sharp knife and score the ham in a diamond pattern. Be careful not to cut all the way through the ham. This will create a beautiful pattern and help the glaze to penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves until well combined.

Step 4: Glaze the Ham

Brush the glaze generously over the ham using a pastry brush. Make sure to evenly cover the ham, including the sides.

Step 5: Bake the Ham

Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover it with foil. Bake the ham for about 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F.

Step 6: Baste the Ham with the Glaze

Every 20 minutes, uncover the ham and baste it with the glaze. This will help to create a lovely crust on the ham and enhance the flavor.

Step 7: Let the Ham Rest

Once the ham is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, making it more flavorful and tender.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Carve the ham, and serve it with the remaining glaze on the side. Take a bite, and enjoy the juicy, succulent flavor of your new twist on traditional Christmas ham.

Conclusion:

Adding a twist to the traditional Christmas ham recipe, like the maple and bourbon glaze, is an excellent way to make your dish stand out from the crowd. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you will have a succulent ham that is perfect for any holiday meal. So, try this recipe and start creating some new Christmas traditions today!