Pineapple Ham Recipe

Introduction

Hey everyone! Today, we're preparing a Pineapple Glazed Ham, perfect for holidays or special family gatherings. This ham is not only delicious but also presents beautifully on your dining table. Follow along as we dive into the recipe using fresh ingredients to achieve that perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (around 9.73 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 1/4 cup of juice from cherries
• 1 1/2 cups of pineapple juice (from two cans of pineapple slices)
• 1 cup of light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
• Pineapple slices (for garnishing)
• Cherries (for garnishing)
• Toothpicks (for securing pineapple slices and cherries on the ham)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, cherry juice, pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and cloves. Warm the mixture just enough to dissolve the sugar and integrate the spices without bringing it to a boil.

2. Prepare the Ham: Score the exterior of the ham deeply, making cuts about half an inch deep in a crisscross pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat.

3. Apply Pineapple and Cherries: Attach pineapple slices and cherries to the ham using toothpicks. This adds flavor and makes for a festive presentation.

4. Glaze the Ham: Pour the prepared glaze over the ham, making sure it seeps into the scored lines.

5. Baking: Cover the ham with the lid of the roasting pan or aluminum foil if you don't have a lidded pan. Bake at 325°F, following the guideline of 15 minutes per pound for a fully cooked ham. Baste the ham every 20-30 minutes with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.

6. Final Glazing: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the cover to allow the ham to caramelize and get a richer color. Baste twice during this period.

7. Reduce the Glaze: While the ham rests after baking, reduce the pan juices by a third in a saucepan, skimming off any fat, to create a rich sauce.

8. Serve: Slice the ham after letting it rest for 20-30 minutes. Arrange the slices on a platter, garnish with the cooked pineapple slices and cherries, and drizzle with the reduced glaze sauce.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a stunning Pineapple Glazed Ham that's sure to be the centerpiece of your meal. The combination of sweet pineapple, cherries, and a perfectly cooked ham makes this dish irresistible. Whether you're hosting a holiday dinner or simply want to make a weekend meal special, this recipe delivers on flavor and presentation. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!