Easy Maple Glazed Ham Canadian Holiday Recipe

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Introduction

The Easy Maple Glazed Ham Canadian Holiday Recipe is a centerpiece on many festive tables, particularly during Christmas and Easter. Its sweet and savory profile, combined with the iconic Canadian maple syrup, offers a delightful culinary experience. The tradition of serving ham during holidays stems from its historical significance as a celebratory meat, often cured and smoked to preserve it for special occasions.

Ingredients

Fully cooked bone-in ham (shank or butt portion, approximately 8-10 lbs)
1 cup pure Canadian maple syrup
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground cloves
Optional: Pineapple slices, maraschino cherries (for garnish) Substitutions: Honey can be used in place of maple syrup, though the flavor will be different. Yellow mustard can be used if Dijon isn’t available, but Dijon provides a sharper, more complex flavor.

Preparation Steps

1. Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze adhere better.
2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate the meat and creates an appealing presentation.
3. If desired, secure pineapple slices and maraschino cherries onto the ham with toothpicks for an attractive garnish. This is purely aesthetic and can be omitted.
4. In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and ground cloves. Whisk together until well blended.
5. Bring the glaze mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. This intensifies the flavors and creates a richer glaze.
Tip: For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325F (160C).
2. Place the ham in a roasting pan. Add about 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan to create steam and prevent the ham from drying out.
3. Brush approximately half of the maple glaze evenly over the ham, ensuring it covers all surfaces, including the scored areas.
4. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from browning too quickly.
5. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140F (60C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham to check the temperature. Important: Since the ham is already cooked, the goal is to heat it through and glaze it, not to cook it from raw.
6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and baste the ham with the remaining maple glaze every 10 minutes. This will create a beautiful, glossy finish.
7. Once the ham reaches 140F (60C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.

Serving Suggestions

Easy Maple Glazed Ham Canadian Holiday Recipe is traditionally served warm, sliced thinly, and accompanied by a variety of side dishes. Classic pairings include:
Scalloped potatoes
Green bean casserole
Mashed sweet potatoes
Dinner rolls
Cranberry sauce or chutney
Roasted asparagus It can also be served cold in sandwiches, salads, or as part of a charcuterie board. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for an elegant presentation. The leftover ham bone can be used to make a flavorful soup or stock.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Tip: Don’t overcook the ham. Overcooking will result in a dry and tough ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate temperature reading.
Tip: Score the ham carefully. Avoid cutting too deep, as this can cause the ham to dry out.
Common Mistake: Forgetting to add water to the roasting pan. The steam helps to keep the ham moist.
Common Mistake: Skipping the resting period. Allowing the ham to rest after cooking is crucial for optimal tenderness and flavor.
Tip: If the glaze starts to darken too much during the last 30 minutes of cooking, tent the ham with aluminum foil again to prevent burning.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Learning to prepare the Easy Maple Glazed Ham Canadian Holiday Recipe unlocks a world of culinary possibilities. Its harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors, its cultural significance, and its adaptability to various occasions make it a valuable addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Whether serving a grand holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Embrace the joy of cooking and create memorable moments around the table. Discover even more delectable cooking guides and recipes at foodrecipestory.com, and embark on a culinary adventure today!