Cooking a 15-pound turkey is no joke. I would know— my husband just cooked one for Thanksgiving. Of course, after all his hours of basting, I graciously volunteered to take the next holiday. Which left me in charge of the Christmas ham.
Here’s what I love about ham: It’s delicious. Also, it’s EASY.
Since my in-laws are in town this week, we actually celebrated early. My plan for dinner was spiral-sliced ham, mashed sweet potatoes, and green bean casserole. I found a super simple recipe for the main course, and picked up everything I needed in a single trip to the store.
The ham was pre-sliced (best invention since sliced bread), so all I had to do was make the glaze and throw it in the oven, per the instructions.
The glaze was just two ingredients: fruit preserves and mustard. I chose apricot preserves, simply because they’re my favorite. I went for a “fancy” stone-ground mustard because I’m fancy like that… but I’m sure yellow mustard would have been fine as well. (Full recipe below.)
Ham with Fruit Glaze (PorkBeInspired.com)
- 2 TO 3 POUND FULLY-COOKED BONELESS SMOKED HAM
- 1/2 CUP FRUIT PRESERVES, (SUCH AS PEACH OR APRICOT)
- 1 TABLESPOON MUSTARD
-
Heat ham in oven according to package directions*, about 15-18 minutes per pound in a 350 degree F oven. In small bowl, stir together preserves and mustard. Brush over sides of ham during last 15-20 minutes of heating. Slice enough ham to serve; wrap and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Ta-da! My first official Christmas meal was a success. The ham was delicious, everyone was impressed, and clean-up took about 15 minutes. (Score.)
Now, here’s a holiday treat for you…
The National Pork Board is hosting a Holiday Ham Sweepstakes, starting this weekend! Enter at holidayfamilyfeast.com December 18th – December 31st 2015 for your chance to win one of five $200 gift cards from HEB .
Enter SweepstakesGet more recipe ideas and learn more about the National Pork Board on Facebook, Twitter, and on Pinterest.
***
P.S. A yummy quesadilla recipe for your leftover ham!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Purchasing does not improve your chances of winning. The Holiday Family Feast Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of Texas, age 18 or older. Void where prohibited by law. Sweepstakes begins at 12:00:01 AM CT on 12/18/15 and ends at 11:59:59 PM CT on 12/31/15. Click here for entry details and Official Rules. Sponsor: National Pork Board, 1776 NW 114th Street, Des Moines, IA 50325.