Savor the Season: Glazed Forest-Raised Ham for Your Perfect Holiday Feast!

Cooking a perfect forest-raised ham for Christmas can be a delightful experience. 

Here's a general guide to help you achieve a delicious and flavorful ham:

Ingredients:

• Edwards Family Farms whole forest-raised ham
• Whole cloves
• 4 cups brown sugar (for glaze)
• 3/4 cup dijon mustard (for glaze)
• 1 cup Maple syrup or honey (for glaze)
• Pineapple slices (optional)

This glaze will make enough to cover an 18-20 pound whole ham. Adjust these measurements based on your taste preferences and the size of your ham. If you have a smaller ham, you may want to decrease quantities.

Begin slow thawing your ham in the fridge a few days before (again, dependent on how large or small your ham is.)

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
   • Remove the ham from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 1-2 hours.
   • Preheat own to 325 degrees F.
2. Score the Ham:
   • Using a sharp knife, score the fat on the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate and adds a decorative touch.
3. Insert Cloves:
   • Stud the ham with whole cloves at the intersections of the diamond pattern. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the presentation. (See photo at the bottom of this post.)
4. Prepare the Glaze:
   • In a bowl, mix brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup or honey to create a glaze. Test taste and then adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences.
5. Apply the Glaze:
   • Brush the glaze generously over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get into the scored areas.
   • Save enough glaze to baste every 30 minutes during cooking time and for a final glaze.
6. Add Pineapple (Optional):
   • If you like, you can decorate the ham by placing pineapple slices on top and securing them with toothpicks. (Our kids LOVE this.)
   • I do this half way through the cooking time.
7. Bake the Ham:
   • Place the ham in a roasting pan, and if available, elevate it on a rack. Cover the ham with aluminum foil.
8. Cooking Time:
   • Follow the cooking time recommendations on the ham packaging. Generally, it's about 10-15 minutes per pound.
9. Baste Occasionally:
   • Every 30 minutes, baste the ham with the juices in the pan to keep it moist and flavorful.
10. Final Glaze:
    • During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and apply another layer of the glaze. This will give the ham a beautiful caramelized finish.
11. Check for Doneness:
    • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ham is safe to eat when it reaches 140°F (60°C).
12. Rest Before Carving:
    • Allow the ham to rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.

Remember to adjust cooking times and temperatures based on the specific instructions for your ham. 

Enjoy your delicious forest-raised ham for a festive holiday meal!

Did you make this recipe? Let us know how you enjoyed it in the comments below!