Glazed Ham with Sprite and Orange Juice

This glazed ham recipe combines the traditional flavors of sweet and savory, using a delightful mixture of Sprite, fresh orange juice, and brown sugar to create a caramelized, tangy glaze. The result is a beautifully glazed ham that is perfect for special occasions, offering a juicy texture with a hint of citrus sweetness. This dish is a wonderful balance of classic cooking techniques with a modern twist, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 6-8 pounds)
• 1 cup Sprite
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the Sprite, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbly.
3. Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down, and score the surface in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the glaze generously over the ham, making sure to get the glaze into the scored cuts.
5. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze.
6. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize.
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 parsley if desired, and serve warm.