Sweet Orange & Maple Glazed Christmas Ham.

I have officially accepted my role as the ham girl in my family.

Every Christmas, this is my thing!! I don't believe its crissy without a big, glossy leg of ham glazed. The sweeter the better, its not done until it’s sticky, sweet, and unapologetically extra. Orange, maple, that caramelised edge you sneak pieces of straight off the tray! Very interesting considering i am not a sweet tooth, but in this case, savoury hams need not apply here. If it’s not shiny, sweet, and stealing the show on the table, I don’t want it. Consider this your reminder, lean into what you love, make rituals around this time that become unforgattable. For me, that will always be a very sweet Christmas Ham.

Here is my recipe this year. I didn't go with orange last year so it had to be added this year.

Enjoy and flick me your favourite recipes so i can try them out! xx

-1 leg of ham (rind on)

-Cloves (optional)

Glaze:

-1 cup maple syrup

-½ cup brown sugar

-Zest of 1 large orange

-¾ cup fresh orange juice

-2 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional — you won’t really taste it, it just balances the sweetness)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan).

2. Carefully remove the rind, leaving the fat. Score fat in a diamond pattern.(Very importanat to leave the fat)

3. Stud with cloves if using.

4. Place ham on a rack in a roasting tray with a little water in the base.

5. Mix all glaze ingredients until smooth.

6. Brush generously over the ham.

7. Bake for 60–90 minutes, basting every 15–20 minutes, until dark golden and sticky.

8. If it starts to caramelise too fast, loosely cover with foil and continue basting.

Finish (optional but gorgeous) This is what separates the good from the GREAT.

turn oven up to 200°C for a deep, candy-like glaze.

Let me know how you go!

Sending lots of love from my family to yours.

Mary xx