1. Prepare the Ham:
- Score the Ham: If your ham isn’t pre-scored, use a sharp knife to score the surface in a diamond pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate the ham and enhances the presentation.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven according to the ham’s cooking instructions (usually around 325°F or 160°C).
2. Make the Glaze:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and black pepper.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture continuously until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.
- Simmer: Allow the mixture to come to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly. If using, add the cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
3. Glaze the Ham:
- Initial Basting: Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Brush the ham generously with the brown sugar glaze, making sure to get into the scored cuts.
- Bake the Ham: Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake according to the ham’s instructions, typically about 15 minutes per pound. Baste the ham with the glaze every 20-30 minutes.
4. Final Glaze and Caramelization:
- Uncover the Ham: During the last 20-30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and form a sticky, golden crust. Continue to baste every 10 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) if it’s a pre-cooked ham, or 160°F (71°C) for a fresh ham.
5. Serve:
- Rest the Ham: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Carve and Enjoy: Carve the ham into slices and serve with any remaining glaze from the pan drizzled on top or on the side.
Tips for Success
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality brown sugar and honey for the best flavor. Freshly squeezed pineapple or orange juice adds a vibrant taste to the glaze.
- Basting is Key: Frequent basting ensures the ham is evenly coated and enhances the caramelization process.
- Spices: Adjust the spices to your taste. Adding a bit of cayenne pepper can give the glaze a subtle kick without being overpowering.
- Leftover Glaze: If you have leftover glaze, you can use it as a sauce for other dishes like roasted vegetables or drizzle it over the ham slices when serving.
This brown sugar ham glaze recipe is simple yet incredibly flavorful, creating a beautifully glazed ham that will impress your guests. Enjoy the sweet and savory combination that elevates your ham to a new level of deliciousness. Happy cooking!