Spiced Holiday Ham Glaze
Elevate your holiday feast with this Spiced Holiday Ham Glaze, a luscious blend of rich brown sugar, aromatic spices, and a hint of dark rum. This delightful glaze creates a beautifully caramelized crust on your ham, infusing it with a medley of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings and festive dinners, this glaze not only enhances the ham's natural flavors but also creates a mouthwatering aroma that draws everyone to the table. Share this beloved recipe with family and friends, and enjoy the warm and memorable moments it brings.
N/A
Servings
140
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
dark brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
butter
8 tablespoons ((1 stick))
dark rum
1/2 cup
dark molasses
1/4 cup
spicy mustard
3 tablespoons
cider vinegar
1 tablespoon
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a non-reactive saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, dark rum, molasses, spicy mustard, cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, and ground pepper.
2
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture constantly until it comes to a gentle boil.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, allowing the glaze to simmer. Continue stirring for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
4
Remove from heat and let the glaze cool slightly before applying it generously to the ham. Use a brush or spoon to ensure an even coating.
5
For best results, apply the glaze while warm and bake your ham according to your preferred method.
Nutrition Information
8.4g
Fat
14.9g
Carbs
0.2g
Protein
11g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Holiday Ham Glaze?
It is a luscious blend of rich brown sugar, aromatic spices, and dark rum designed to create a caramelized crust on holiday ham.
What are the main ingredients in this glaze?
The ingredients include dark brown sugar, butter, dark rum, dark molasses, spicy mustard, cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, and fresh ground pepper.
How do I prepare the ham glaze?
Combine ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then simmer on low for 5 to 10 minutes until thickened.
Can I substitute the dark rum in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute dark rum with apple juice or apple cider for an alcohol-free version.
How much butter is needed for the glaze?
The recipe calls for 8 tablespoons of butter, which is equivalent to one full stick.
What type of mustard is best for this glaze?
Spicy mustard is recommended to provide a savory balance to the sweet sugar and molasses.
How long should the glaze simmer?
The glaze should simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
When is the best time to apply the glaze to the ham?
Apply the glaze while it is still warm, just before baking the ham according to your preferred method.
How do I ensure an even coating on the ham?
Use a kitchen brush or a spoon to generously and evenly apply the glaze over the surface of the ham.
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark?
Yes, but dark brown sugar is preferred for its deeper molasses flavor and better caramelization.
Does this glaze contain molasses?
Yes, it uses 1/4 cup of dark molasses to add richness and color to the crust.
Is this recipe suitable for a Christmas dinner?
Absolutely, it is designed for holiday gatherings and creates a mouthwatering aroma perfect for festive meals.
How many calories are in a serving of this glaze?
There are approximately 140 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of the glaze?
The glaze contains 8.4 grams of fat per serving.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There are 11 grams of sugar in each serving of the glaze.
Can I make this glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and gently reheat it on the stove before applying it to the ham.
What type of vinegar should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar to provide a hint of acidity.
Is this glaze spicy?
It features a sweet and savory profile with a mild warmth from the spicy mustard and fresh ground pepper.
What is the carbohydrate count for this glaze?
Each serving contains 14.9 grams of carbohydrates.
Does the glaze contain any protein?
The glaze contains a minimal amount of protein, approximately 0.2 grams per serving.
How much cinnamon is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for aromatic warmth.
Can I use this glaze on a spiral-cut ham?
Yes, it works perfectly on spiral-cut hams as the glaze can seep between the slices for extra flavor.
Should I use a specific type of saucepan?
A non-reactive saucepan is recommended to ensure the flavors of the rum and vinegar remain pure.
What makes the crust caramelized?
The high concentration of brown sugar and molasses creates a beautifully caramelized crust during the baking process.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter provides the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute if necessary.
How much ground pepper should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper.
Does the glaze contain fiber?
No, this glaze recipe does not contain any significant amount of dietary fiber.
Should the glaze be cooled before application?
It should be allowed to cool slightly after simmering so that it reaches a better consistency for brushing onto the ham.
Can I double the recipe for a larger ham?
Yes, the ingredients can be easily doubled if you are preparing a very large ham or prefer an extra thick coating.
Can I use this glaze on other meats?
While intended for ham, this sweet and savory glaze would also pair well with roasted pork loin or thick-cut pork chops.