Christmas is a time of celebration and indulgence, and one of the most anticipated dishes on the dinner table is the succulent and flavorful Christmas ham. While there are many ways to prepare and cook a Christmas ham, one of the most important elements is the glaze. A perfectly glazed Christmas ham not only adds a beautiful sheen to the dish, but also enhances the flavor and adds a touch of sweetness. In this article, we will be sharing a delicious and fool-proof Christmas ham glaze recipe inspired by the renowned chef, Nigella Lawson.
The Perfect Christmas Ham Glaze
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
To start, mix all the ingredients together in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Let the glaze simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Next, prepare your Christmas ham by scoring the skin in a diamond pattern and placing it in a roasting pan. Basting is a crucial step in achieving a perfectly glazed ham, so make sure to generously brush the glaze all over the ham, especially in between the scoring.
Cover the ham with foil and bake it in the oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting every 20 minutes. For the last 15 minutes of baking, remove the foil and brush on another layer of glaze for a shiny and caramelized finish.
Once the ham is cooked through and the glaze has caramelized, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Variations:
This Christmas ham glaze recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier kick, add some chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the glaze. You can also replace the orange juice with pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
Additionally, if you prefer a thicker and stickier glaze, you can reduce the amount of liquid ingredients and increase the amount of sugar. Just make sure to keep an eye on the glaze as it simmers to prevent it from burning.
With this delectable Christmas ham glaze recipe, you can impress your guests and elevate your Christmas feast to a whole new level. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors will leave everyone wanting more. Happy cooking and Merry Christmas!
Christmas is a time of celebration and indulgence, and one of the most anticipated dishes on the dinner table is the succulent and flavorful Christmas ham. While there are many ways to prepare and cook a Christmas ham, one of the most important elements is the glaze. A perfectly glazed Christmas ham not only adds a beautiful sheen to the dish, but also enhances the flavor and adds a touch of sweetness. In this article, we will be sharing a delicious and fool-proof Christmas ham glaze recipe inspired by the renowned chef, Nigella Lawson.
The Perfect Christmas Ham Glaze
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
To start, mix all the ingredients together in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Let the glaze simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Next, prepare your Christmas ham by scoring the skin in a diamond pattern and placing it in a roasting pan. Basting is a crucial step in achieving a perfectly glazed ham, so make sure to generously brush the glaze all over the ham, especially in between the scoring.
Cover the ham with foil and bake it in the oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting every 20 minutes. For the last 15 minutes of baking, remove the foil and brush on another layer of glaze for a shiny and caramelized finish.
Once the ham is cooked through and the glaze has caramelized, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Variations:
This Christmas ham glaze recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier kick, add some chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the glaze. You can also replace the orange juice with pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
Additionally, if you prefer a thicker and stickier glaze, you can reduce the amount of liquid ingredients and increase the amount of sugar. Just make sure to keep an eye on the glaze as it simmers to prevent it from burning.
With this delectable Christmas ham glaze recipe, you can impress your guests and elevate your Christmas feast to a whole new level. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors will leave everyone wanting more. Happy cooking and Merry Christmas!