Classic Glazed Ham with Pineapple Sauce

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Step 2

Trim rind (thick layer of skin) with a sharp knife if necessary. Use paring knife to make shallow even cuts across the fat on top of ham in one direction. Repeat, making slits in opposite direction to form diamond shapes. Insert cloves at intersection of cuts (remove the cloves before eating the ham).

Step 3

Place a large sheet of heavy duty foil on top of a rack in a large roasting pan. Place ham, cut side down, on top of foil and enclose (so you can open the foil from the top).  Bake for 2 1/2 hours (15 minutes per pound), or until a thermometer placed in thickest part of ham registers 130 degrees F.

Step 4

Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over LOW heat. Add brown sugar, honey, and pineapple juice Whisk in the Dijon and bring mixture just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside. Glaze will thicken slightly as it sits.

Step 5

After initial baking time, remove roasting pan from oven and increase oven temperature to 400 degrees F. Carefully open foil and brush ham liberally with glaze. Return to oven, with foil open, for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, brushing with more glaze several more times as it cooks. Ham should register 140 degrees F in the center when checked with an instant read thermometer.

Step 6

About 30 minutes before ham is ready to come out of the oven, prepare the Pineapple Sauce.

Step 7

Whisk together brown sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan (don't place over heat). Whisk in the pineapple juice and water until smooth. Place saucepan over MEDIUM heat and bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in the butter, apple cider vinegar, and salt until butter has melted.