Imagine the tantalizing aroma of a succulent ham, glazed to perfection with a sweet and tangy pear and clementine sauce, wafting through your kitchen. This Pear Clementine Glazed Ham is not just a dish; it's the centerpiece of any festive gathering, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. With its vibrant flavors and stunning presentation, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds! Whether it's a holiday feast or a special Sunday dinner, this delectable ham is sure to be the star of the show. Ready to elevate your culinary game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 pounds)
- 1 cup pear preserves
- 1/2 cup clementine juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the ham from refrigeration and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Place the ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up. If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, creating shallow cuts about 1/2 inch deep.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together pear preserves, clementine juice, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Brush approximately 1/3 of the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake the ham for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham to check temperature.
- Every 30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and baste with additional glaze, rotating the pan to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Slice the ham against the grain and serve warm, drizzling any remaining glaze over the slices for extra flavor.
Tips
- Choose the Right Ham: Opt for a fully cooked ham that weighs between 5-7 pounds for the best results. This size ensures even cooking and ample servings for your gathering.
- Room Temperature: Allow the ham to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly and retain moisture.
- Score the Fat: If your ham has a thick layer of fat, scoring it in a diamond pattern not only enhances the presentation but also allows the glaze to penetrate the meat more effectively.
- Basting is Key: Don’t skip the basting! Every 30 minutes, brush more glaze onto the ham to build layers of flavor and achieve that beautiful caramelized finish.
- Rest Before Carving: After removing the ham from the oven, let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy and flavorful.
- Serve with Extra Glaze: For an added burst of flavor, drizzle any remaining glaze over the sliced ham just before serving. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
