Classic Glazed Easter Ham with Maple-Pineapple Glaze

This Classic Glazed Easter Ham combines the traditional flavors of a sweet, sticky glaze with a creative twist of pineapple and maple syrup. The result is a beautifully caramelized ham that is both savory and sweet, perfect for celebrating the holiday. This recipe meets dietary requirements with no added sugars and is suitable for a variety of diets.

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in, fully cooked ham
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh pineapple, chopped (optional for garnish)
• Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, cut side down.
3. In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
4. Brush the glaze generously over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored areas.
5. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the ham to caramelize. If desired, add chopped fresh pineapple around the ham for extra flavor.
7. Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.