Glazed ham three ways

The combination of sweet-scented spices and whole fruits make these a perfect way to jazz up a ham joint ready for your Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Nutritional highlights 

Ham is not only a good source of protein but it is rich in selenium, phosphorus and zinc; phosphorous is a mineral that helps to build strong bones and teeth, selenium prevents damage to cells and tissues, helping the immune system to work properly and zinc helps the body to process carbohydrates, fats and protein. 

Combine this with any of the fruit glazes for a boost in vitamins and minerals; both oranges and pineapples are high in vitamin C for immune system support whilst cherries have great antioxidant properties to protect against cell damage.

Simple roast ham

Ingredients

(Serves 8-10)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

• Whole-on-the-bone ham leg
• 2 carrots
• 4 stalks celery
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp peppercorns
• 2 lemons (juice and zest)

Method

To cook the ham, place it into a large saucepan and add some roughly chopped carrots, celery, bay leaves and peppercorns. Zest the lemons and add both the zest and the juice to the pan.

Cover the ham joint with water, bring to the boil then turn down and simmer for about an hour. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for half an hour in its cooking liquid. Next you’re ready to roast!

Pre-heat the oven to 170C and carefully remove the skin from the ham joint, leaving behind a thin layer of fat. Score the fat in a criss-cross pattern and roast for 20 minutes. To glaze, brush your chosen glaze all over the meat and return to the oven for about an hour until it turns crispy and golden. 

Top Tips:

Remember to baste regularly.

Orange and mustard glaze

Ingredients

(Makes enough to glaze one whole on-the-bone ham leg)

• 4 large oranges (peeled and chopped into chunks)
• ½ tbsp orange rind
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup water
• 1 tbsp honey
• 4 tbsp wholegrain mustard
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger

Cinnamon cherry glaze

Ingredients

(Makes enough to glaze one whole on-the-bone ham leg)

• 350g cherries
• 2 chillies (finely chopped and deseeded) 
• ¾ cup water
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey

Spiced pineapple glaze

Ingredients

(Makes enough to glaze one whole on-the-bone ham leg)

• 500g fresh pineapple (cored and peeled, cut into chunks)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• ½ cup water
• 1 tbsp honey

Method 

To make any of the glazes, add the fruit to a medium saucepan along with all the other ingredients.

Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. The sauce should begin to thicken as most of the liquid will evaporate.

Transfer the glaze into a food processor and blend until it forms a puree ready for use. With any remaining mixture, allow to cool and then place into a sealed container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can serve this alongside the ham or with cheese to add a fruity festive twist.  

Top tips

Ham does have a high sodium content so avoid adding any more salt during cooking.