| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 2-3 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 805 | 33.4g | 11.7g | 57g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 53g | 1g | 71g | 3.1g |
Ever since I was young, cooking in my kitchen back in Montana, the vast landscapes and the tantalizing smells of wild game roasting on the fire while I was surrounded by local fruits became a vital part of my gastronomical journey. Now, as I whisk you through this delightful blend of flavors and textures, I am thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite recipes – the Pineapple Glazed Ham. Inspired heavily from the rich culinary fusions of my rancher’s upbringing and Native American traditions, this dish is a testament to my admiration for evolving yet grounded recipes.
A Tropical Twist to the Classic Ham
The Pineapple Glazed Ham is a beautiful amalgamation of succulent ham meeting a tropical charisma that pineapple brings in, thereby harmoniously fusing the robustness of the ham with the refreshing bursts of fruitiness. A blast from my past, where I would experiment with wild proteins and berries, this dish is a quintessential part of my culinary identity now. It reminds me of tantalizing venison steaks and aromatic huckleberry pies from my Montana days, yet it hides a surprise in every bite, quite similar to the charm of a Hawaiian ham and pineapple casserole.
Bursting with Nutritional Goodness
Stepping beyond the enticing combination of flavors, another reason why I hold this recipe close to my heart is its beaming health benefits. The centerpiece of the dish, ham, is an excellent source of high-quality proteins and essential nutrients, including vitamins B6 and B12, niacin, and zinc. Pineapples, on the other hand, are laden with bromelain, aiding digestion, and hefty amounts of vitamin C, bolstering your immunity. This recipe is then a perfect blend of taste and health, just the kind of dishes that excite me in the kitchen.
Over the years, I found that the Pineapple Glazed Ham pairs just splendidly with a range of side dishes, from a light grilled asparagus to a hearty sweet potato casserole. Seeking innovation in cooking, the sweet-tangy flavors of the pineapple complement the earthy sides, creating a balanced palate that keeps you longing for more. The Pineapple Glazed Ham, thus, transcends the traditional boundaries of recipes promising an experience that is as full of surprises as it is full of comfort.
It’s recipes like these that truly channel my adventurous culinary spirit, bringing together the refreshingly new and comfortingly traditional. I look forward to sharing more such exquisite recipes with you on this delectable journey.
What You’ll Need
- 1 ready-to-cook bone-in ham (approximately 6 pounds)
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 3 cups of pineapple juice
- 1 can of pineapple slices (8 ounces)
- 1 cup of Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the bone-in ham in a large roasting pan with a rack, fat side facing upwards.
Step Two
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper. Slowly pour in the apple cider vinegar while whisking the mixture until it forms a smooth glaze.
Step Three
Brush the ham with about one-third of the glaze. Next, use toothpicks to attach the pineapple slices all over the ham.
Step Four
Slowly pour the pineapple juice into the bottom of the roasting pan. Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest portion of the ham, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone.
Step Five
Loosely cover the ham and pan with foil. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
Step Six
Remove the foil, brush more glaze over the ham, and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes or until the glaze is dark and sticky.
Step Seven
Remove the ham from the oven and allow it to rest for approximately 15 minutes before removing the toothpicks, slicing, and serving. Drizzle extra pan juices over the slices if desired for extra flavour. Enjoy your Pineapple Glazed Ham.
