The sweet and savory flavors of a honey cured double glazed ham are a staple of many holiday meals. With its rich, velvety glaze and tender, juicy meat, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. But cooking a honey cured double glazed ham can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to cooking. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to cook the perfect honey cured double glazed ham, from preparation to presentation.
Understanding the Basics of Honey Cured Double Glazed Ham
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand the basics of honey cured double glazed ham. This type of ham is made by curing a pork leg with a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices, then glazing it with a sweet and sticky honey-based sauce. The curing process helps to preserve the meat and add flavor, while the glaze adds a rich, caramelized texture.
Choosing the Right Ham
When it comes to choosing the right ham, there are several factors to consider. Look for a ham that is labeled as “honey cured” or “double glazed,” as these will have the best flavor and texture. You can also choose between a bone-in or boneless ham, depending on your preference. Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful, but boneless hams are easier to slice and serve.
Ham Sizes and Shapes
Hams come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from small, compact hams to large, show-stopping centerpieces. When choosing a ham, consider the number of guests you will be serving and the size of your oven. A larger ham may be more impressive, but it may also be more difficult to cook evenly.
Preparing the Ham for Cooking
Before you can start cooking your honey cured double glazed ham, you need to prepare it. This involves removing the packaging and any netting or wrapping, as well as trimming any excess fat or skin.
Removing the Packaging
Start by removing the packaging and any netting or wrapping from the ham. This will help the ham cook more evenly and prevent any packaging materials from melting or burning during cooking.
Trimming the Fat and Skin
Next, trim any excess fat or skin from the ham. This will help the glaze adhere to the meat and prevent any excess fat from burning during cooking. Use a sharp knife to trim the fat and skin, being careful not to cut too deeply into the meat.
Cooking the Ham
Now that your ham is prepared, it’s time to start cooking. There are several ways to cook a honey cured double glazed ham, including baking, grilling, and slow cooking. In this article, we will focus on baking, as it is the most common method.
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This will help the ham cook slowly and evenly, preventing it from drying out or burning.
Placing the Ham in the Oven
Place the ham in a roasting pan or baking dish, fat side up. This will help the glaze adhere to the meat and prevent any excess fat from burning during cooking.
Cooking the Ham
Cook the ham for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the pan juices every 20-30 minutes to keep it moist and promote even cooking.
Glazing the Ham
While the ham is cooking, you can start preparing the glaze. The glaze is a sweet and sticky honey-based sauce that is brushed onto the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Ingredients for the Glaze
To make the glaze, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Mixing the Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze is smooth and syrupy.
Brushing the Glaze onto the Ham
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the glaze onto the ham every 10-15 minutes. This will help the glaze adhere to the meat and create a rich, caramelized texture.
Presentation and Serving
Once the ham is cooked and glazed, it’s time to present and serve. Slice the ham thinly and serve it with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
Slicing the Ham
To slice the ham, use a sharp knife and slice it against the grain. This will help the ham slice thinly and evenly, making it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few serving suggestions for your honey cured double glazed ham:
- Serve the ham with a side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots.
- Offer a variety of mustards and chutneys, such as Dijon mustard or quince paste.
- Serve the ham with a green salad or a fruit salad.
By following these steps and tips, you can create a delicious and impressive honey cured double glazed ham that is sure to be the centerpiece of your next holiday meal. Whether you’re cooking for a small gathering or a large crowd, this dish is sure to impress and delight.
What is the ideal cut of ham for honey curing and double glazing?
The ideal cut of ham for honey curing and double glazing is a bone-in, smoked, or cured ham. This type of ham provides the perfect balance of flavor and texture, allowing the honey glaze to penetrate the meat evenly. A bone-in ham also helps to keep the meat moist and juicy during the cooking process.
When selecting a ham, look for one that is labeled as “smoked” or “cured.” These hams have already been processed to remove excess moisture, making them ideal for honey curing and double glazing. Avoid using a fresh ham, as it may not hold the glaze as well and can be more prone to drying out during cooking.
What is the purpose of scoring the fat layer on the ham?
Scoring the fat layer on the ham serves several purposes. Firstly, it helps to create a diamond pattern on the surface of the ham, which not only looks visually appealing but also allows the honey glaze to penetrate the meat more evenly. Secondly, scoring the fat layer helps to release the natural juices of the ham, creating a more tender and flavorful final product.
To score the fat layer, use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as this can damage the underlying meat. The scores should be about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart. This will allow the honey glaze to seep into the meat and create a deliciously caramelized crust.
How do I make the honey cure for the ham?
To make the honey cure for the ham, combine 1 cup of honey with 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of ground cloves in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Once the honey cure has cooled, use a pastry brush to apply it evenly to the surface of the ham. Make sure to get the cure into the scored lines, as this will help to create a deliciously caramelized crust. Let the ham sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the cure to set before baking.
What is the purpose of double glazing the ham?
Double glazing the ham involves applying a second layer of glaze to the ham during the last 20 minutes of baking. This helps to create a thick, sticky crust on the surface of the ham, which not only looks visually appealing but also adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the final product.
To double glaze the ham, remove it from the oven after 20 minutes of baking and brush it with a second layer of honey glaze. Return the ham to the oven and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
How do I prevent the ham from drying out during cooking?
To prevent the ham from drying out during cooking, it’s essential to keep it moist and covered. Use a large piece of aluminum foil to cover the ham, making sure to seal the edges tightly. This will help to trap the natural juices of the ham and prevent them from escaping during cooking.
In addition to covering the ham, make sure to baste it regularly with the pan juices. This will help to keep the ham moist and add flavor to the final product. You can also add some liquid to the pan, such as pineapple juice or ginger ale, to help keep the ham moist and add extra flavor.
Can I use a different type of glaze on the ham?
While honey is a classic choice for glazing a ham, you can experiment with different types of glazes to create a unique flavor profile. Some popular alternatives to honey include maple syrup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. You can also add other ingredients to the glaze, such as cloves, cinnamon, or citrus zest, to create a more complex flavor profile.
When using a different type of glaze, keep in mind that it may affect the cooking time and temperature of the ham. Some glazes, such as those containing sugar, can caramelize more quickly than others, so be sure to monitor the ham closely during the last 20 minutes of baking.
How do I store leftover ham?
To store leftover ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. Cooked ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 2 months.
When freezing leftover ham, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can also divide the ham into smaller portions and freeze them individually, making it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need.