When it comes to festive feasts or special family gatherings, nothing quite captures the essence of celebration like a beautifully glazed ham. A ham infused with the sweetness of pineapple and cherries creates an unforgettable centerpiece that tantalizes taste buds and warms hearts. In this article, we’ll delve into the steps to create this culinary masterpiece, the ingredients you’ll need, tips for cooking, and serving suggestions that will have your guests raving about your cooking long after the meal is over.
Ingredients You Will Need
To whip up an irresistible ham with pineapple and cherries, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bone-in ham (fully cooked) | 10-12 pounds |
| Pineapple slices (canned or fresh) | 1 can (about 20 ounces) |
| Maraschino cherries | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Honey | 1/2 cup |
| Dijon mustard | 1/4 cup |
| Ground cloves | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Pineapple juice | 1 cup (reserved from canned pineapple) |
These ingredients create a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, making your ham dish absolutely scrumptious.
Preparation Steps for Your Ham
Cooking a ham may seem daunting, but it is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s how you can prepare this delightful dish step by step.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ham
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Choose the Right Ham: A bone-in, fully cooked ham is best for this recipe. It’s not only easier to prepare but also stays moist throughout the cooking process.
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This gentle heat ensures the ham warms thoroughly without overcooking.
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Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This not only allows the glaze to penetrate but also creates an appealing presentation. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the meat.
Step 2: Create Your Glaze
The glaze makes this dish utterly irresistible. Here’s how to prepare it:
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Mix the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, forming a thick paste.
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Add Pineapple Juice: Gradually stir in the reserved pineapple juice until your glaze reaches a spreadable consistency.
Step 3: Assemble Your Dish
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Layer Pineapple and Cherries: On the bottom of a large roasting pan, place your reserved pineapple slices. Then, set the ham on top. This not only helps with flavor but also prevents the ham from sticking to the pan.
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Glaze the Ham: Generously brush your prepared glaze all over the surface of the ham. Make sure to cover every nook and cranny for maximum flavor.
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Attach Pineapple and Cherries: Use toothpicks to attach the remaining pineapple slices and maraschino cherries to the surface of the ham for an aesthetically pleasing look.
Cooking Your Ham to Perfection
Now that your ham is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to cook it. Here are some essential cooking tips:
Step 4: Bake the Ham
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Cover with Foil: Loosely cover the ham with aluminum foil, which will trap moisture and help prevent the ham from drying out during cooking.
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Bake: Place the ham in your preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes per pound. For a 10-pound ham, that’s approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Remember to baste the ham with pan juices every 30 minutes.
Step 5: Finish with a Glaze**
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Remove Foil: About 30 minutes before the ham is finished cooking, remove the foil.
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Add More Glaze: Apply a final layer of glaze, ensuring every surface is well-coated.
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Caramelize: Continue baking uncovered until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). The exposed surface will caramelize beautifully, giving your dish an appealing golden finish.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Once your ham is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest. This resting period lets the juices redistribute evenly throughout the meat, enhancing its flavor and moisture. Let it rest for about 20-30 minutes before carving.
Carving and Serving Suggestions
Now that your ham is finished, it’s time to carve and serve!
How to Carve Your Ham
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Position the Ham: Place the roasted ham on a cutting board, cut side down for stability.
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Make the First Cut: Start by slicing downwards along the bone. Work your way around, making even slices.
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Serve in Style: Arrange the sliced ham on a serving platter, garnished with leftover pineapple and cherries for a stunning presentation.
What to Serve with Your Ham
To complement your ham with pineapple and cherries, consider these classic side dishes:
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Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts drizzled with olive oil and roasted until golden.
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Classic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a wonderful base for enjoying the flavors of the ham.
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Sweet Potatoes: Cooked in any style, sweet potatoes enhance the natural sweetness of the ham.
By choosing well-balanced sides, you create a stunning and delicious meal that captivates everyone at the table.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing and reheating will ensure you enjoy your delicious creation for days to come.
Storing Leftovers
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Wrap Properly: Allow the ham to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight container.
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Refrigerate: Store the wrapped ham in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the portions.
Reheating Tips**
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Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Slice the ham and place it in a baking dish. Add a splash of pineapple juice or water, cover with foil, and reheat for about 20-30 minutes.
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Microwave Method: Place a slice of ham on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your ham with pineapple and cherries long after your initial feast.
Conclusion
Cooking a ham with pineapple and cherries is not just a culinary endeavor; it’s an experience filled with flavors that evoke warmth, happiness, and fond memories. With this guide, you’ll master the art of preparing this delightful dish and leave a lasting impression on your guests or family. Embrace the sweet, succulent flavors of this classic dish, and let your culinary creativity shine!
What type of ham is best for cooking with pineapple and cherries?
For cooking with pineapple and cherries, a bone-in spiral-cut ham is often the best choice. This type of ham is already sliced, making it easy to glaze and serve. The bone also adds flavor and moisture during the cooking process, giving you a juicier result. Additionally, spiral-cut hams usually have a good balance of meat and fat, ensuring that they remain tender and flavorful.
Another excellent option is a fully cooked ham, which means you just need to reheat it rather than cooking it from scratch. Opt for hams labeled as “country style” or “Virginia ham” if you prefer a more robust flavor. Always check for the USDA label ensuring it’s been properly cured and smoked, as this will yield the best flavor profile when paired with the sweet glaze of pineapple and cherries.
How do I prepare the ham before cooking?
Before cooking your ham, the first step is to remove it from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze stick better during the cooking process. Next, if you’re using a whole ham, you may want to score the surface in a crosshatch pattern. This not only enhances the presentation but also allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat, ensuring a more flavorful outcome.
Once scored, you can prepare your glaze by combining pineapple juice, cherry juice, brown sugar, and spices. Brush this mixture generously over the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into the scored sections. It’s also a good idea to insert cloves or cherries directly into the scored cuts for additional flavor and a more aesthetically pleasing presentation when serving.
How long should I cook the ham?
The cooking time for ham largely depends on its size and whether it’s fully cooked or raw. As a general rule, a fully cooked spiral ham needs about 10-15 minutes per pound at a temperature of 325°F (163°C). For example, a 10-pound ham would take approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours. To ensure it reaches the perfect serving temperature, always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 140°F (60°C).
If you’re starting with a raw ham, the cooking time will be longer, potentially ranging from 18 to 20 minutes per pound. In either case, you will want to frequently baste the ham with your pineapple and cherry glaze during the cooking process. This will help caramelize the sugars and create that delectable outer layer while keeping the meat moist inside.
Can I use fresh pineapple and cherries instead of canned?
Absolutely! Using fresh pineapple and cherries can elevate the dish’s flavor profile significantly. Fresh ingredients often provide a more vibrant and natural taste compared to canned counterparts. For fresh pineapple, simply peel, core, and cut it into chunks. With fresh cherries, you’ll need to pit them before using. The natural acidity and sweetness of fresh fruits can bring a distinct brightness to your dish.
Keep in mind that using fresh fruits may require slight adjustments to your cooking time and method. For instance, you might want to add the fresh fruit during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming overly soft or caramelized. Additionally, you can create a fresh fruit glaze by blending the fruits into a mixture that can be basted onto the ham throughout the cooking process.
What can I serve with a ham cooked with pineapple and cherries?
Ham cooked with pineapple and cherries pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes that can complement its sweetness. For a classic combination, consider serving it with mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole. The creaminess of mashed potatoes contrasts nicely with the sweet and tangy ham, while sweet potato casserole can enhance the overall sweetness of your meal.
Vegetable sides also offer great contrast; roasted green beans or glazed carrots would add a fresh element to your plate. Additionally, you can serve a crisp salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the ham. Don’t forget about the bread – rolls or cornbread can round out the meal perfectly, providing a delightful base for any leftover glaze.
How can I store leftovers from the cooked ham?
To properly store leftovers from your cooked ham, first let it cool to room temperature after serving. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent air from getting in and drying the meat out. You can also place it in an airtight container if you prefer. For optimized freshness, store the wrapped ham in the refrigerator where it can last for about 3 to 5 days.
If you have a significant amount of leftovers, consider freezing portions for later use. Make sure to slice the ham into serving portions before freezing, as this will make it more convenient to thaw later. When freezing, use freezer-safe bags or containers and label them with the date so you’ll know how long they’ve been stored. Ham can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months without losing much quality.