Ham with Sprite, Orange Juice, and Brown Sugar Glaze

This delightful ham recipe combines the sweetness of orange juice and brown sugar with the fizzy, refreshing notes of Sprite, creating a beautiful glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The blend of flavors results in a succulent main dish that is both traditional and creatively inspired, perfect for festive occasions or family dinners.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 5-7 lbs)
• 1 cup Sprite
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine Sprite, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Whisk until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
3. Place the ham in a large roasting pan and add 1/4 cup of water to the bottom of the pan to keep the ham moist.
4. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/4 inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat.
5. Brush half of the glaze mixture over the surface of the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored areas.
6. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize and develop a beautiful golden color.
8. Once the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.