Balsamic and Dijon Glazed Ham

Step 1

Remove the ham from the refrigerator 1-2 hours before it needs to go into the oven. This will allow the meat to come a bit closer to room temperature before it goes into the oven.

Step 2

Place the ham on a large cutting board and score the ham with cuts, 1/2" deep in a diamond pattern. If that sounds confusing, look down at the ham and start in a straight line from one end to the other making a 1/2" deep cut all the way across and over the top of the ham. Then repeat this cut, about an inch apart, slicing the ham from one side to the other. Then turn the ham 90 degrees and repeat, straight cuts, all the way across the ham. It should resemble a checkerboard when you are finished. This process allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the ham. It is well-worth the effort and it only takes a few minutes.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a large roasting pan or a heavy rimmed baking sheet with foil and place the ham cut side down in the pan. Roast 45-50 minutes. While the ham begins roasting, combine the sugar, vinegar and mustard in a small cup or bowl. Set aside next to the stove.

Step 4

Remove the ham from the oven and baste generously with the glaze, using about 1/4 of the glaze. Continue to roast the ham until it is deep brown and glazed, brushing the ham with more glaze every 10 minutes or so.

Step 5

I roast an 8 lb ham for 50 minutes, then baste it, 10 minutes more, baste again, 10 minutes more, baste it generously with all remaining glaze one last time and finished roasting it for 5 more minutes. An average of 10 minutes cooking time per lb of ham should be just right.

Step 6

Transfer the ham to a large platter and let rest 10-15 minutes prior to slicing. Enjoy!