Ultimate Clove-Studded Ham Recipe: A Holiday Delight

Ingredients

1 bone-in fully cooked ham (about 10 pounds)
3/4 cup of whole cloves
2 cups of brown sugar
1/4 cup of mustard
1 1/2 cups of honey
1 cup of water

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
Place the ham in a roasting pan and make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern.
Insert the cloves into the cuts.
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, mustard, honey, and water over medium heat. Stir until smooth.
Brush the mixture over the ham.
Bake the ham in the preheated oven for about 1.5 hours, or until heated through.
Every 15 minutes while the ham is baking, baste it with the pan drippings to add more flavor.
Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tools for making

Roasting pan - to cook the ham in the oven
Saucepan - to prepare the glaze for the ham
Basting brush - to brush the glaze onto the ham
Sharp knife - to make cuts in the ham for inserting cloves

Recipe variations

Instead of honey, try using maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture.
Experiment with different types of mustard, such as Dijon or whole grain, to vary the taste.
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a touch of liquid smoke to the glaze.
To make it more savory, mix in some herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage into the glaze.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a classic holiday main dish with this Clove-studded Ham recipe. The ham is oven-baked until it's perfectly warm and juicy, and is glazed with a sweet and tangy mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and honey. The whole cloves inserted into the ham add a unique spice note that balances the sweetness of the glaze. With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a baking time of 1.5 hours, this recipe is simple to follow and yields a flavorful and aromatic ham that is sure to impress your guests. This recipe serves approximately 12-15 people, making it perfect for large family gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Common questions

Can I use ground cloves instead of whole cloves? No, using whole cloves is recommended for this recipe to achieve the best flavor and presentation.
How do I know when the ham is fully cooked? Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius).
Can I prepare the ham in advance? Yes, you can prepare the ham ahead of time and reheat it before serving to save time on the day you plan to serve it.

Serving dishes and utensils

Carving Knife - A sharp carving knife is essential for slicing the clove-studded ham.
Roasting Pan - You'll need a sturdy roasting pan to bake the ham in the oven.
Basting Brush - Use a basting brush to coat the ham with the brown sugar glaze during baking.
Meat Thermometer - A meat thermometer will ensure that the ham is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
Serving Platter - A large serving platter is handy for presenting the sliced ham to your guests.

Origin stories

Ham, a staple in many holiday feasts, has an interesting history. In the days before refrigeration, hams were cured by rubbing them with salt and sugar to prevent spoilage. This tradition began in many cultures across the world, but it's in the American South that the practice of studding a ham with cloves became popular. Cloves, a spice brought over from the East Indies, were prized for their strong, sweet and spicy flavor. They were found to pair beautifully with the savory, salty ham to create a balance of flavors. Today, clove-studded ham continues to be a beloved dish, often glazed with honey or brown sugar for a sweet finish.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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