Description
Brown sugar and rum glaze elevates this classic ham to new culinary heights. Rich Caribbean flavors mingle with succulent pork, creating a festive centerpiece you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) smoked ham, fully cooked, bone-in
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200 grams) dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) dark rum
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C), ensuring a consistent temperature for even cooking.
- Position the ham on a cutting board and create an intricate diamond pattern by making diagonal cuts approximately 1-inch deep across the surface, then rotating 90 degrees to intersect the initial cuts.
- Carefully transfer the scored ham to a roasting pan equipped with a rack, pouring one cup of water into the pan’s base to maintain moisture during roasting.
- Securely cover the ham with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap steam and prevent excessive drying.
- Roast the ham in the center oven rack for 2 to 2.5 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and flavorful.
- Whisk together brown sugar, rum, and Dijon mustard in a small mixing bowl until the mixture reaches a smooth, consistent texture.
- Remove the foil and generously brush the glaze into the scored cuts, ensuring complete coverage of the ham’s surface.
- Return the uncovered ham to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the initial glaze layer to caramelize and develop a rich, golden color.
- Apply a second layer of glaze and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the exterior becomes glossy and deeply caramelized.
- Allow the ham to rest briefly after removing from the oven, then transfer to a serving platter for elegant carving and presentation.
Notes
- Select a high-quality, bone-in ham for the most flavorful and tender result.
- Create precise diamond cuts to help the glaze penetrate deeper and enhance caramelization.
- Use dark rum for a richer, more complex flavor profile that complements the brown sugar’s sweetness.
- Adjust cooking time based on ham weight, typically 15-20 minutes per pound for optimal tenderness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 304
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 1170 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg