Introducing Monte’s Ham, a delightful creation born out of necessity and ingenuity! 🍖 This recipe emerged from a Christmas dilemma when the quest for a honey-glazed ham led to disappointment at the local market. Undeterred, our intrepid chef embarked on a culinary adventure, determined to craft a ham that would rival any store-bought delight. And thus, Monte’s Ham was born!
With just a dash of creativity and a few tweaks to an internet-found gem, this recipe transformed a simple smoked ham into a masterpiece of flavor and satisfaction. 🎨 Substituting regular mustard and honey for the Dijon mustard added a personal touch, resulting in a dish that earned rave reviews, even surpassing the beloved honey baked ham in taste preference! The secret? A perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes that tantalize the taste buds and leave you craving more.
But let’s dive deeper into the culinary journey that is Monte’s Ham. Preparation is key, so gather your ingredients and let’s get started!
Monte’s Ham Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 30
Ingredients:
- 15 lb smoked ham
- 1 1/2 cups orange marmalade
- 3/4 cup mustard
- 1/8 cup honey
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
- 1 handful whole cloves
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Trim the outer skin and excess fat from the ham, ensuring it’s ready for the flavor infusion to come.
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Score the Ham: Place the ham, meat side down, in a large roasting pan. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham with crosshatch incisions, creating a beautiful pattern that will not only enhance the presentation but also allow the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat.
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Roast Initial Stage: Turn the ham back on its side in the roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 2 hours. This slow roasting allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender, setting the stage for the glazing extravaganza to follow.
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Prepare the Glaze: While the ham is roasting, it’s time to prepare the glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine the orange marmalade, mustard, honey, and light brown sugar. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly blended, creating a sticky, sweet, and tangy concoction that will elevate your ham to new heights of deliciousness.
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Stud with Cloves: Once the initial roasting stage is complete, it’s time to add a touch of aromatic flair to your ham. Using whole cloves, stud the ham by inserting one clove at the intersection of each crosshatch or in the center of each square. This step not only adds visual appeal but also infuses the meat with subtle hints of spice that complement the sweet glaze beautifully.
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Brush with Glaze: Brush the prepared glaze generously over the surface of the ham, ensuring that every inch is coated in a sticky layer of flavor-packed goodness. This is where the magic happens, as the glaze caramelizes in the oven, creating a tantalizing crust that seals in the juices and enhances the overall taste experience.
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Final Roasting Stage: Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and return the glazed ham to the oven for approximately 1 1/2 hours, or until a thermometer inserted near the bone (but not touching the bone) registers 160°F (71°C). This final stage of roasting allows the glaze to intensify in flavor and color, resulting in a ham that is perfectly caramelized on the outside and irresistibly juicy on the inside.
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Baste and Glaze: To ensure maximum flavor infusion, baste the ham with the remaining glaze at least three times during the final roasting stage, brushing on additional layers of sweetness and shine with each application.
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Rest and Carve: When the ham is done to perfection, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a large cutting board or platter. Allow the ham to rest for 30 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together beautifully. Then, carve with confidence, knowing that each slice is a testament to your culinary prowess and dedication to deliciousness.
Monte’s Ham is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of homemade goodness and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary adventure that is sure to delight and impress all who have the pleasure of indulging in this mouthwatering masterpiece. Happy cooking! 🍽️✨
