Easter is a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying a delicious meal together. One classic dish that often graces the table during this festive occasion is a beautifully glazed ham. This recipe for Fruit Glazed Easter Ham takes the traditional Easter ham to a whole new level with a sweet and tangy fruit glaze that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
**Fruit Glazed Easter Ham**
**Ingredients:**
– 8-10 pound fully-cooked smoked ham
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 orange, thinly sliced
– 1 lemon, thinly sliced
– Fresh herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the ham by scoring the surface diagonally in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut too deeply into the meat.
3. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze has thickened slightly.
4. Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush a generous amount of the fruit glaze all over the surface of the ham, making sure to get into the scores.
5. Arrange the orange and lemon slices on top of the ham, securing them with toothpicks. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the fruit slices.
6. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 2 hours, basting with the pan juices and additional glaze every 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30-45 minutes, or until the ham is golden brown and caramelized, and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) on a meat thermometer.
8. Once cooked, transfer the ham to a serving platter and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
9. Serve the Fruit Glazed Easter Ham warm alongside your favorite sides and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this delicious dish with your family and friends.
This Fruit Glazed Easter Ham recipe is sure to be a showstopper at your holiday feast, impressing everyone with its succulent meat and flavorful glaze. So, this Easter, gather your loved ones around the table and savor the joy of sharing a memorable meal together. Happy cooking and happy Easter!
