Apple Butter Glazed Ham
Ingredients
- 5 pounds Macintosh apples
scrubbed and quartered, not peeled
- 4 cups apple juice
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 ham
10-pound
- 1 carrot
chopped
- 1 celery stalk
chopped
- 1 leek
chopped
- 1 onion
chopped
- 1 garlic head
halved
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 4 cups water
Directions
- 1
For the apple butter: In a large stockpot, combine the apples with the apple juice. Cook on low heat until the apples are tender, about 45 minutes. Remove from heat and pass through a fine sieve. Pour the puree back in the stockpot. Bring to a simmer and add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook on low heat for about 1 1/2 hours until it's reduced by half and thickens up, stirring regularly and skimming the surface if necessary. Remove from heat and let cool.
- 2
For the ham: Put the ham, carrot, celery, leek, onion, and garlic in a large stockpot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 2 hours. Drain and place into a roasting pan.
- 3
Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F.
- 4
In a bowl, combine the apple butter, honey, and Dijon mustard. Peel off the skin of the ham and brush it with apple butter mixture. Pour the water in the bottom of the pan. Place in the oven and cook for 1 1/2 hours, making sure to baste it with the sauce every 15 minutes during cooking process. Remove the ham from the grill and let sit for 10 minutes before carving.
Apple Butter Glazed Ham
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About this Recipe
Craving a show-stopping centerpiece that's both sweet and savory? This Apple Butter Glazed Ham, inspired by Chuck Hughes, promises a holiday feast highlight so delicious you'll want it for dessert! It’s the perfect blend of comforting tradition and sophisticated flavor, designed to impress with minimal fuss.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines through its clever use of layered apple flavors. By incorporating both freshly prepared apple components and a generous cup of rich apple butter into the glaze, you achieve an unparalleled depth that complements the inherent saltiness of the ham. The addition of honey and Dijon mustard creates a perfectly balanced sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy crust that caramelizes beautifully.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly delectable experience. You'll be treated to tender, juicy ham with a beautifully burnished, sweet-tart glaze that glistens on the outside. The aromatics—fresh carrots, celery, leek, onion, and garlic—infuse the cooking environment with a welcoming fragrance that promises a comforting, hearty meal. Each slice offers a harmony of textures and tastes, where the savory meat is wonderfully contrasted by the bright, fruity, and gently spiced notes of the glaze. This is the kind of impressive ham dish that brings everyone back for seconds.
Customization & Variations
While the recipe calls for Macintosh apples to create a vibrant homemade apple butter, you can certainly use your favorite variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a different sweet-tart balance. If you're short on time, a high-quality store-bought apple butter can be used for the glaze without compromising too much on flavor. For an extra aromatic kick, consider studding the ham with whole cloves before glazing.
Serving & Context
This Apple Butter Glazed Ham is ideal for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or any special occasion where a grand, satisfying meal is desired. Serve it alongside your favorite roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to complete the feast.