Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. and then remove the rind from the ham using a sharp knife. This is done by gently cutting along the edge of the skin, starting from a corner, and then peeling the skin away from the ham until it's taken off completely.
- Score the fat in a diamond pattern (I usually make shallow cuts about ¼ inch deep in a diamond pattern on the fat surface of the ham). After that, insert 1 whole clove into each intersection of the diamonds.
- Place the ham on a casserole dish, large roasting pan or a large baking dish lined with aluminum foil.
- In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, orange juice, brown sugar, bourbon, ground cloves, cinnamon, allspice, and mustard. Bring them all to a boil and then reduce the heat. Simmer the glaze ingredients for about 5 minutes. Optionally, you could strain and reduce the glaze for a thicker consistency.
- Brush 2-3 tablespoons of your maple orange glaze on top of the ham and cloves and bake the ham for 1 hour, brushing with more glaze every 15 minutes until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 145 degrees F which is a safe level and the glaze is caramelized.
- Let the beautiful ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife. Feel free to spoon any extra maple glaze over the cooked ham. Optionally, you could garnish your ham with fresh herbs or orange slices for a visually appealing presentation.
Notes
Bone-in Fully Cooked Ham: The bone-in fully cooked ham is a savory addition to the holiday table. The bone enhances the flavor of the ham during the cooking process. If you prefer, you can use a boneless spiral-cut ham like black forest ham, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich sweetness to the glaze and compliments the savory notes of the ham. The syrup's natural sweetness provides a contrast to the smokiness of the meat. If you don't have maple syrup, you can use honey or agave syrup for a similar sweet profile.
Orange Juice: Orange juice gives the ham a citrus flavor that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup. It also gives it a pleasant acidity, that enhances the overall taste. You can use store-bought orange juice if fresh orange juice isn't available. Pineapple juice or a combination of orange and pineapple juice can be used as a substitute.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar brings a molasses flavor to the glaze. You can substitute with white sugar or a sugar alternative like swerve.
Bourbon (or Non-alcoholic Bourbon Flavoring): Bourbon introduces a warm, smoky note to the glaze. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with apple juice, or omit it altogether.
Ground Cinnamon, Allspice (or Nutmeg), and Ground Cloves: These spices give the glaze warmth and depth. Cinnamon provides a sweet and woody flavor, allspice adds a hint of warmth, and ground cloves add aromatic notes to it. If you don't have allspice, you can use nutmeg or a combination of cinnamon and cloves.
Yellow Mustard: Yellow mustard adds a tangy flavor and balances the sweetness of the glaze. It also provides a subtle kick to the glaze. Dijon mustard can be used as a substitute.
Whole Cloves: The whole cloves inserted into the ham infuse it with a warm, aromatic flavor. If you're not a fan of cloves, you can totally omit them.