Awesome Baked Ham

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What is Awesome Baked Ham?
Awesome Baked Ham is a delicious and flavorful dish made from a large cut of ham that is baked to perfection. It’s often prepared for special occasions like holidays and family gatherings, as it’s known for its savory, sweet, and tender qualities.

History of Baked Ham:
Baking ham is a culinary tradition that dates back centuries. It can be traced to various cultures, including European, Asian, and American cuisines. In Europe, the tradition of roasting ham is long-standing, especially in countries like England and Germany. The practice of glazing ham with sweet sauces became popular in the United States during the early 20th century. This sweet and savory combination has since become a classic in American holiday feasts.

Components of Awesome Baked Ham:

1. Ham: The star of the dish, typically a bone-in or boneless ham. Choose a ham that suits your preference, whether it’s smoked, cured, or spiral-cut.
2. Glaze: A sweet and savory glaze is a key component. Common glaze ingredients include brown sugar, honey, mustard, cloves, and sometimes even fruit juices like pineapple or orange.
3. Spices: You can add a variety of spices and herbs to enhance the flavor. Cloves and cinnamon are often used.
4. Cooking Liquid: It can be water, stock, or even fruit juice, used to keep the ham moist during baking.

Steps to Prepare Awesome Baked Ham:

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham in a large roasting pan with a rack to allow airflow around the ham.

2. Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, make shallow crisscross cuts across the surface of the ham. This helps the glaze penetrate and flavors the meat.

3. Glazing: Prepare your glaze by mixing brown sugar, honey, mustard, cloves, and any other desired ingredients. Brush the glaze generously over the ham. You can use whole cloves to stud the ham’s surface for added flavor.

4. Baking: Add a cup or two of your chosen cooking liquid to the bottom of the pan to keep the ham moist. Cover the ham with foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it in the preheated oven.

5. Cooking Time: The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your ham. A rough estimate is about 15-20 minutes per pound. Be sure to baste the ham with the pan juices and glaze every 20-30 minutes.

6. Final Glaze: In the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the ham’s surface to caramelize. Brush on an extra layer of the glaze for a beautiful finish.

7. Resting: Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.

Total Preparation Time:
The time needed to prepare Awesome Baked Ham will depend on the size of your ham, but a general guideline is 2.5 to 3 hours for a 10-12 pound ham.

Enjoy your mouthwatering Awesome Baked Ham at your next special gathering! 🍖🎉

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Nutrition Facts for Awesome Baked Ham:

Here’s a general overview of the nutrition facts for a typical serving of Awesome Baked Ham, assuming an 8-ounce (226g) portion:

• Calories: Approximately 320 calories
• Protein: About 30 grams
• Total Fat: Approximately 20 grams
  • Saturated Fat: Around 6 grams
• Cholesterol: About 80 milligrams
• Sodium: Approximately 1,600 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: About 5 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 0 grams
  • Sugars: Around 4 grams

Health Information:

1. Protein: Ham is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

2. Total Fat: While ham contains some fat, it’s important to choose lean cuts or trim excess fat to reduce overall fat content.

3. Saturated Fat: Be mindful of saturated fat intake, as high consumption may contribute to heart disease. Select leaner hams when possible.

4. Cholesterol: Ham can be relatively high in cholesterol. Moderation is key, especially for individuals with high cholesterol levels.

5. Sodium: Ham is known for its high sodium content. Excessive sodium intake can lead to hypertension, so it’s best to consume it in moderation, and choose lower-sodium ham options.

6. Carbohydrates: Ham is very low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets.

7. Dietary Fiber: There is no dietary fiber in ham, so be sure to balance your meal with fiber-rich side dishes.

8. Sugars: The sugar content mainly comes from the glaze used, so consider using a glaze with less added sugars for a healthier option.

Remember that the actual nutrition values can vary based on the specific type of ham and glaze used, so it’s a good practice to check the packaging or prepare the ham with health-conscious choices in mind. Also, consider portion sizes and balance your meal with a variety of vegetables and whole grains for a well-rounded diet. 🥦🥕🍞