Baked Holiday Ham

Baking a delicious ham at home is a great way to impress your family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a juicy, flavorful ham that will have everyone asking for seconds. Here's a more detailed guide on how to bake ham at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-pound) bone-in ham, rump portion
• 1/2 cup whole cloves
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 cups water, or as needed

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Place the ham in a large roasting pan.
3. Press the whole cloves into the top of the ham at 1- to 2-inch intervals.
4. Pack the top of the ham with a layer of brown sugar, making sure to cover the entire surface.
5. Pour enough water into the bottom of the roasting pan to come to a 1-inch depth.
6. Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil.
7. Bake the ham in the preheated oven for 4.5 to 5 hours or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center, making sure it is not touching the bone, reads at least 160 degrees F (72 degrees C).
8. Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving.

Tip: If your ham is larger or smaller than 12 pounds, you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Now that you have a perfectly baked ham, it's time to think about what to serve it with. Many great side dishes pair well with ham, such as Mom's Scalloped Potatoes, Homemade Macaroni and Cheese, or Marinated Black-Eyed Pea Salad. Get creative and experiment with different flavors and textures to find the perfect pairing for your ham.

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, you can use the microwave or oven to warm it up. And if you have too much leftover ham, don't worry! You can freeze it by wrapping it in storage wrap and then foil. It will stay good for up to two months in the freezer.

In conclusion, baking ham at home is a simple and delicious way to feed your family and friends. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a flavorful and juicy ham that everyone will love.