Irresistible Whiskey-Glazed Ham Recipe for a Flavorful Feast

Ingredients

• 1. A flavorful hickory-smoked ham weighing 5 pounds
• 2. Forty whole cloves for a hint of warmth
• 3. Two cups of Irish whiskey, like the renowned Jameson® brand
• 4. A generous half cup of rich butter
• 5. Sweet half cup of brown sugar to balance the flavors
• 6. Two tablespoons of golden honey for a touch of sweetness

Step 1

Create a crisscross pattern on the ham by making vertical and horizontal slashes, being careful not to cut into the meat but through the fat. Insert whole cloves at the intersections of the slashes, pushing them in as deep as possible.

Step 2

To begin, preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 3

In a saucepan over medium heat, pour whiskey and let it simmer until it reduces by about a third to eliminate some of the alcohol taste, which takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Lower the heat to medium-low, add butter, and stir until melted, typically 2 to 3 minutes. Incorporate brown sugar and honey gradually until the mixture thickens to a saucy consistency, cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 4

Start basting the ham generously with the glaze, then transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Cover the ham with foil to ensure it stays moist during cooking.

Step 5

Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about an hour. Remember to baste the ham every 15 minutes with the glaze and the fat drippings from the pan, re-covering it with foil each time. After an hour, remove the foil and continue baking until the ham's internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer. This may take an additional 30 minutes, remember to baste twice more during this period.

Step 6

Once cooked, take the ham out of the oven and tent it with foil to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat for about 10 minutes. Save the flavorful pan drippings for serving. Trim off any excess fat and skin, slice the ham, and arrange it on a serving platter. Serve the ham with the delicious pan juices for added flavor.