If it’s one thing that I absolutely love, it’s the delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors in a dish. And when it comes to a delicious smoked ham, there’s nothing quite like the perfect balance of flavors that a sweet glaze can bring. This recipe takes inspiration from the traditional Trini Christmas Ham, infusing it with spices typically used to bake our hams into a beautiful glaze that will elevate your dining experience to a whole new level.
This brown sugar glaze blends sweet and savory flavors with a hint of warmth and spice. The rich sweetness of the brown sugar is balanced by the tanginess of Dijon mustard and the depth of flavor from minced garlic. The smoked paprika adds a smoky element, while the cayenne pepper provides a subtle kick of heat. Ground cinnamon and cloves contribute a warm and aromatic undertone, enhancing the overall complexity of the glaze. Together, these ingredients create a flavorful and well-rounded glaze that will beautifully complement the savory notes of the smoked ham.
- INGREDIENTS DETAILS
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelization to the glaze, creating a rich and flavorful coating for the ham.
- Water: Helps to create the liquid base of the glaze and allows the other ingredients to blend together smoothly.
- Garlic: Minced garlic provides a savory and aromatic flavor to the glaze, enhancing the overall depth of taste.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly sharp flavor to the glaze, balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar and adding complexity to the overall taste.
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses a smoky and earthy flavor into the glaze, complementing the smokiness of the ham and adding a depth of flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper: Provides a subtle heat to the glaze, adding a touch of spiciness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon: Contributes a warm and slightly sweet flavor to the glaze, enhancing the overall warmth and complexity of the dish.
- Ground Cloves: Adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the glaze, providing a spicy and slightly sweet note that complements the other ingredients.
Together, these ingredients work harmoniously to create a well-balanced and flavorful glaze that will elevate the taste of the smoked ham, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
*INGREDIENTS AND ALTERNATIVES
- Brown Sugar Alternatives:
- Maple Syrup
- Honey
- Agave Nectar
- Coconut Sugar
- Water Alternatives:
- Apple Juice
- Pineapple Juice
- Orange Juice
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth
- Garlic Alternatives:
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Shallots
- Roasted Garlic
- Dijon Mustard Alternatives:
- Whole Grain Mustard
- Spicy Brown Mustard
- Honey Mustard
- Yellow Mustard
- Smoked Paprika Alternatives:
- Regular Paprika
- Chipotle Powder
- Ancho Chili Powder
- Cumin
- Cayenne Pepper Alternatives:
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- Paprika
- Chili Powder
- Hot Sauce
- Ground Cinnamon Alternatives:
- Cinnamon Stick (for infusing flavor)
- Allspice
- Nutmeg
- Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Ground Cloves Alternatives:
- Allspice
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
Feel free to experiment with these alternatives based on your personal taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
BROWN SUGAR GLAZED HAM
his brown sugar glaze blends sweet and savory flavors with a hint of warmth and spice. The rich sweetness of the brown sugar is balanced by the tanginess of Dijon mustard and the depth of flavor from minced garlic. The smoked paprika adds a smoky element, while the cayenne pepper provides a subtle kick of heat. Ground cinnamon and cloves contribute a warm and aromatic undertone, enhancing the overall complexity of the glaze. Together, these ingredients create a flavorful and well-rounded glaze that will beautifully complement the savory notes of the smoked ham.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
- 2. Remove ham from packaging and prepare a baking tray by lining it with foil.
- 3. Score the rind by making light slices over the top of the ham approximately 1" apart, then repeat diagonally from the other direction.
- 4. Place the ham in the baking tray and put it in the oven for 1 hour.
- 5. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add water, brown sugar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and the remaining spices. Whisk well.
- 6. Let the mixture gradually come to a boil and whisk at intervals for approximately 10 minutes or until the glaze has thickened slightly. Then, remove it from the heat.
- 7. After the ham has baked for an hour, baste it by spooning 1/3 of the glaze onto it. You can also use a brush to ensure the glaze is applied evenly.
- 8. Place foil back onto the ham and return it to the oven for another hour before basting again. Repeat the process of foiling and returning to the oven for the final hour of baking.
- 9. Once the ham has baked for 3 hours or has reached an internal temperature of 145°F, baste it with the remaining glaze and allow it to bake for an additional 10 minutes uncovered. Then, remove it from the oven and let the ham sit for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- 10. Be sure to make use of the delicious glaze in the baking tray and enjoy!
Note
1. **Ham Selection**: When choosing a picnic ham for this recipe, look for one that is around 7-8 pounds in weight. This size will work well with the quantities and timings provided.
2. **Scoring the Ham**: When scoring the ham rind, make sure to cut the slices about 1 inch apart in a crisscross pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat and adds an appealing presentation.
3. **Glazing Technique**: Ensure that you baste the ham with the glaze at regular intervals during the cooking process. This helps to build up layers of flavor and creates a beautiful caramelized finish on the outside of the ham.
4. **Internal Temperature**: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. It should reach 145°F to ensure that it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
5. **Resting Period**: Allowing the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute within the meat, making it more tender and flavorful when sliced.
6. **Leftover Glaze**: Don't forget to utilize any remaining glaze in the baking tray. You can drizzle it over the sliced ham when serving for an extra burst of flavor.
7. **Adjust Seasonings**: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the glaze to suit your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the amount of spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to tailor the flavor profile to your liking.
By following these cooking notes, you can ensure that your brown sugar glazed ham turns out flavorful, tender, and a true crowd-pleaser at your table. Enjoy your cooking! Awesome
