Apricot Glazed Baked Ham for Two

🍖👩‍🍳 Apricot Glazed Baked Ham for Two 🍖👨‍🍳

Apricot Glazed Baked Ham is a delightful dish that combines the savory goodness of ham with the sweet and tangy flavors of apricot glaze. It’s a perfect choice for a cozy dinner for two. Here’s everything you need to know about it:

📜 History:
The concept of cooking ham with sweet glazes has been around for centuries. It’s believed that this practice originated in Europe, where hams were often glazed with honey, sugar, or fruit preserves. The idea of using apricot glaze likely emerged as apricots became more widely available in various cuisines. Over time, this dish has evolved into a popular holiday and special occasion staple.

🥘 Components:

1. Ham: You’ll need a small ham, typically a bone-in ham or ham steak, suitable for two people.
2. Apricot Glaze: The star of the show! The glaze typically includes apricot preserves or jam, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and sometimes a hint of cloves or cinnamon for added depth of flavor.

📝 Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Score the Ham: If using a bone-in ham, make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern on the surface. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat.

3. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of apricot preserves, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon. Heat over low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. Glaze the Ham: Place the ham in a baking dish and brush a generous amount of the apricot glaze over the surface of the ham. Reserve some glaze for basting during cooking.

5. Bake the Ham: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes per pound of ham. Baste the ham with the reserved glaze every 20-30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.

6. Final Glazing: During the last 15-20 minutes of baking, remove the foil and brush the ham with one final layer of glaze. This will give the ham a beautiful caramelized finish.

7. Rest and Serve: Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. The resting time allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the ham moist and tender.

⏰ Time Needed:
The total cooking time for Apricot Glazed Baked Ham depends on the size of your ham. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need approximately 15 minutes of baking time per pound of ham. So, for a 2-pound ham, it would take around 30 minutes, plus additional time for glazing and resting.

This delightful dish is a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a perfect choice for a special dinner for two. Enjoy your Apricot Glazed Baked Ham! 🍽️🍑

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot Glazed Baked Ham for Two:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximately 4 ounces of ham):

• Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams
• Total Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 5-8 grams
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15 grams
  • Sugar: Approximately 10-12 grams
• Sodium: Approximately 800-1000 milligrams

Health Information:

• Protein: Ham is a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

• Fat: Ham contains a moderate amount of fat, with some saturated fat. It’s important to consume it in moderation, especially if you are watching your saturated fat intake for heart health.

• Carbohydrates and Sugar: The glaze, made with apricot preserves and brown sugar, adds sweetness to the dish. While the carbohydrates and sugar content is relatively low, it’s still important to be mindful of your overall sugar intake, especially if you have dietary restrictions or health concerns related to sugar.

• Sodium: Ham can be high in sodium, which is a concern for individuals with high blood pressure or sodium-sensitive diets. Be aware of the sodium content and consider choosing a low-sodium ham or reducing the amount of salt in the glaze if needed.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Ham is a source of essential vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins (especially B12), zinc, and phosphorus. These nutrients play important roles in various bodily functions.

• Balance: While this dish can be enjoyed in moderation, it’s important to balance it with a variety of other nutrient-rich foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, to ensure a well-rounded and healthy diet.

Remember that the actual nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. If you have specific dietary concerns or health conditions, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.