How to glaze and cook a ham

Points to remember

• Use a sharp knife to carefully cut away the skin and some of the fat leaving an even layer of fat all over.
• If the ham has cooled sufficiently you will be able to prize the skin away with your hands, trimming any straggly bits off with a knife.
• To make a criss-cross/diamond pattern in the ham, use a sharp knife to lightly score it, only cutting into the fat and not the meat underneath.
• Cover the ham generously with your glaze ingredients and if you want to stud the ham, prod the pointed end of a whole clove into each point of diamond pattern.
• Place the ham, fat-side up in a roasting tin.
• Place the ham in a hot oven, remember the ham is already cooked so all you are trying to do is caramelise the glaze.
• After about 20 mins remove the ham from the oven and brush or baste with any sticky juices. Add some more glaze if the ham needs it.
• Pour a small amount of water into the pan to stop the bottom of the ham burning.
• Keep a close eye on the ham for about another 20 mins, as glazes are sweet they can burn easily.
• Baste the ham again towards the end of the cooking if needed.
• Once it’s completely glazed, leave it to cool and enjoy warm or cold, carved into slices.
• The glazed ham will keep in the fridge for up to a week and any leftover ham can be sliced and frozen for up to 6 months.

TIPS