Lavender and Honey Glazed Ham
The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to start planning those festive feasts that bring family and friends together. While the traditional roast turkey may be the star of Thanksgiving or Christmas, why not switch things up and surprise your loved ones with a Lavender and Honey Glazed Ham that’s sure to steal the show?
This unique recipe combines the earthy, floral notes of lavender with the sweetness of honey, resulting in a mouthwatering glaze that will elevate your ham to a whole new level of deliciousness.
The Magic of Lavender
Lavender is a versatile herb that is often associated with relaxation and aromatherapy, but it’s also a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. When used in cooking, it imparts a delicate floral flavour and aroma that can transform a dish into something truly special.
For this recipe, we’re using dried culinary lavender buds, which are readily available at most spice shops or online. Just make sure you’re using food-grade lavender to ensure it’s safe for consumption.
Preparing the Perfect Ham
To start, you’ll need a fully-cooked bone-in ham, preferably around 8-10 pounds. Before applying the lavender and honey glaze, it’s essential to score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern. This not only creates an eye-catching presentation but also allows the glaze to penetrate the meat, infusing it with flavor.
Creating the Glaze
The heart of this recipe lies in the lavender and honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the ground lavender, honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, dried thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
As you gently heat this mixture, your kitchen will fill with the intoxicating aroma of lavender. The honey adds sweetness, the mustard provides a tangy kick, and the thyme contributes an earthy note. It’s a symphony of flavors that perfectly complements the ham’s richness.
Baking to Perfection
Once your glaze is ready, generously coat the scored ham with half of it. Don’t forget to get the glaze into those cuts you made earlier to ensure that every bite is infused with lavender and honey goodness. Cover the ham with aluminum foil and let it roast in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C).
Baking time will vary depending on the ham’s size, but a general guideline is 15-20 minutes per pound. To keep the ham moist and flavorful, remember to baste it with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes during the cooking process. About 30 minutes before it’s done, add a pat of butter and a splash of water to the roasting pan for that extra touch of indulgence.
Rest and Slice
When your Lavender and Honey Glazed Ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), it’s time to take it out of the oven. However, before you slice into this masterpiece, let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each slice is succulent and tender.
A Feast for the Senses
The moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived. As you carve into your Lavender and Honey Glazed Ham, you’ll see the beautiful diamond pattern and smell the heavenly aroma of lavender and honey. The glaze will have caramelized, creating a mouthwatering exterior that’s both sweet and savoury. Each bite will be a symphony of flavors, with the lavender’s floral notes dancing on your palate, perfectly balanced by the honey’s sweetness and the ham’s rich, salty goodness.
Garnish with Elegance
To take your Lavender and Honey Glazed Ham to the next level of elegance, consider garnishing it with some fresh lavender sprigs. This not only adds a pop of color but also reinforces the lavender flavour and makes for a visually stunning presentation. Your guests will be impressed by your culinary prowess and the unique, delightful flavours of this dish.
Conclusion
This holiday season, don’t settle for the ordinary. Surprise your loved ones with a Lavender and Honey Glazed Ham that’s sure to make your festive feast unforgettable. The combination of lavender’s floral elegance and honey’s sweetness creates a glaze that takes this ham to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this recipe will leave a lasting impression on your guests and have them coming back for seconds.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a masterpiece that will have everyone talking about your culinary prowess for years to come.
Enjoy your Lavender and Honey Glazed Ham!
Lavender and Honey Glazed Ham
Ingredients
- 1 fully-cooked bone-in ham about 8-10 pounds
- 1/4 cup dried culinary lavender buds
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Prepare the Lavender Rub:
- In a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, grind the dried culinary lavender buds until they become a fine powder. If you don't have culinary lavender buds, make sure to use food-grade lavender, as some lavender varieties are not suitable for consumption.
- Score the Ham:
- Place the ham on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to score the surface in a diamond pattern. Make shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
- Create the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine the ground lavender, honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove it from the heat and set it aside.
- Apply the Lavender and Honey Glaze:
- Place the scored ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. Pour half of the lavender and honey glaze over the ham, making sure to get it into the cuts you made. Use a brush or the back of a spoon to spread the glaze evenly.
- Bake the Ham:
- Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the ham for about 15-20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes during the cooking process.
- Add Butter and Water:
- About 30 minutes before the ham is done, remove the foil and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1/4 cup of water to the roasting pan. This will help keep the ham moist and flavorful.
- Rest and Slice:
- Once the ham reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures a moist and tender ham.
- Serve:
- Slice the lavender and honey glazed ham and serve it with the pan juices as a delicious drizzle. Garnish with fresh lavender sprigs for an extra touch of elegance if desired.
