Baked Limerick Ham Recipe
Overview:
St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration filled with tradition, gratitude, and delicious food, and what better way to honor the occasion than with a mouthwatering Baked Limerick Ham? This recipe infuses the rich flavors of ham with a hint of Jameson Whiskey, creating a dish that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a hearty meal, this Baked Limerick Ham is sure to delight your taste buds and fill your home with warmth and cheer.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole ham
- Hard alcoholic cider (for boiling)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 20 whole cloves
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ham:
- Begin by covering the ham with cold water in a large kettle.
- Slowly bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, drain the water from the kettle.
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Simmer in Cider:
- Replace the water with hard alcoholic cider, submerging the ham completely.
- Return the kettle to the stove and bring the cider to just below boiling.
- Reduce the heat to low, allowing the liquid to barely simmer.
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Cooking Time:
- Simmer the ham for approximately 20 minutes per pound.
- For example, a 5-pound ham should simmer for 1½ hours.
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Let it Rest:
- Once cooked, remove the kettle from the heat and let the ham stand in the liquid for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures a juicy, tender result.
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Preheat the Oven:
- While the ham is resting, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Prepare the Glaze:
- Skin the ham and score the fat with a sharp knife in a criss-cross or diamond pattern.
- Insert whole cloves at the points where the cuts intersect.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and mustard until well combined.
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Glaze and Bake:
- Rub the brown sugar and mustard mixture evenly over the surface of the ham, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes per pound, or until the glaze is caramelized and golden brown.
- For a 5-pound ham, this should take approximately 50 minutes.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Slice the ham and arrange it on a serving platter alongside boiled potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
- For an extra touch of indulgence, serve with a shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey on the side (optional).
Notes:
- For an alcohol-free version, you can substitute a 50/50 mixture of apple juice and water for the hard alcoholic cider.
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite spices or additional glaze ingredients.
- Leftover ham can be refrigerated and enjoyed in sandwiches, salads, or casseroles for days to come.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 35.4
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 17.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8.8g
- Protein: 0.1g
Serving Suggestions:
This Baked Limerick Ham pairs perfectly with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For a complete St. Patrick’s Day feast, serve alongside Irish soda bread and finish with a slice of decadent Guinness chocolate cake. Cheers to good food, good company, and the luck of the Irish! 🍀