Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham
Are you looking for a delicious and flavorful centerpiece for your holiday table? Look no further than Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham! This mouthwatering dish will make your taste buds dance with delight. In this article, we will explore the secrets behind this delectable ham and how you can recreate it in your own kitchen. Let’s dive in!
The Magic of Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham
Imagine sinking your teeth into a succulent ham that is perfectly glazed and bursting with sweet and savory flavors. That’s exactly what you’ll get with Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham. The secret lies in the carefully selected ingredients and the cooking technique that allows the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.
Just like the warmth and joy that fills the air during the holiday season, Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham brings people together. Its aroma permeates the house, drawing everyone to the kitchen with eager anticipation. It’s a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also nourishes the soul.
The Ingredients
At the heart of Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham is, of course, the ham itself. Choose a high-quality ham that is tender and juicy. The glaze is the star of the show, made from a delightful combination of brown sugar, honey, spices, and a hint of citrus. These ingredients come together to create a sticky and caramelized coating that is the perfect complement to the tender meat.
The Recipe
Creating Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham is a labor of love. Start by preheating your oven and preparing the glaze. As the ham bakes, baste it with the glaze every so often to ensure that every bite is infused with flavor. The result is a ham that is tender, juicy, and bursting with irresistible taste.
Serving Suggestions
Once the ham is out of the oven and has rested, it’s time to carve and serve. Pair it with your favorite side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttery dinner rolls. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your guests coming back for seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! A spiral-cut ham works wonderfully with Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham recipe. The glaze seeps into the nooks and crannies, creating a delightful flavor throughout.
Q: Can I make this ham ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham ahead of time. Simply wrap it tightly in foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I use a different type of glaze?
A: While Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham glaze is truly exceptional, feel free to experiment with different flavors. You can try a maple glaze, a pineapple glaze, or even a spicy mustard glaze. Get creative and make it your own!
Q: Can I use leftovers to make sandwiches?
A: Absolutely! The leftovers from Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham make fantastic sandwiches. Layer the sliced ham on your favorite bread, add some cheese, lettuce, and tomato, and enjoy a delightful post-holiday treat.
Q: Can I freeze the leftover ham?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftover ham. Slice it and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap or place them in airtight containers. When you’re ready to use them, simply thaw and enjoy!
Q: Can I make this ham for other occasions besides the holidays?
A: Absolutely! While Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham is a perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy it at any time of the year. It’s a dish that brings joy and deliciousness to any occasion.
Q: Can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?
A: Of course! If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey. Taste the glaze as you make it and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Q: Can I use this glaze for other meats?
A: While Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham glaze is specifically designed for ham, there’s no reason why you can’t experiment with other meats. Try it on pork roast or even chicken for a delicious twist.
In Conclusion
Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham is a true delight for the senses. It’s a dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite at your holiday table. So, gather your loved ones, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the magic of Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham!
Rita's Sweet Holiday Baked Ham
Ingredients
- 1 cup of maple syrup
- 1 cup of fresh orange juice
- 1 cup of ginger ale
- ½ cup of brown sugar
- ½ cup of honey
- 1 jar (10 ounces) of maraschino cherries , halved
- 1 fully-cooked , bone-in ham weighing 12 pounds
- 1 large heat-resistant nylon oven bag (such as Reynolds® Oven Bags)
- 1 can (15.25 ounces) of pineapple slices in juice , drained
- 1 box of round wooden toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a medium bowl, combine maple syrup, orange juice, ginger ale, brown sugar, and honey. Mix well.
- Stir in the juice from the maraschino cherries and add half of the cherries.
- Use a sharp knife to score the outer edge of the ham in a diamond pattern. Make cuts about 1/4 inch deep.
- Place the ham in an oven bag and carefully pour the juice mixture over it. Make sure to keep all the juice in the bag.
- Arrange pineapples on top of the ham and secure them with toothpicks. Place cherries in the center of the pineapple rings and secure them with toothpicks as well.
- Close the end of the bag with the provided ties. Place the bag in a large roasting pan and make a few small slits in the top of the bag.
- Bake the ham in the preheated oven for 2 hours. The internal temperature should reach 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
- When done, remove the ham from the bag and transfer it to a serving plate. Let it stand for 10 minutes before carving.
