Are you tired of bland, boring ham that leaves your dinner guests yawning? Get ready to transform your ordinary ham into a culinary masterpiece with this Zesty Pineapple Ham Glaze that's about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen! This irresistible glaze combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and warm spices that will elevate your ham from basic to absolutely extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Whisk the ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended and the sugar begins to dissolve.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the sugar from burning and ensure even heating.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the glaze begins to thicken and reduce. This process typically takes about 10-12 minutes.
- To test the glaze's consistency, dip the back of a spoon into the mixture. When the glaze coats the spoon and leaves a clear path when you run your finger through it, it's ready.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the glaze cool for 2-3 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Use immediately as a glaze for ham, brushing it onto the meat during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking for a caramelized, flavorful finish.
- Store any remaining glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Gently reheat before using.
Tips
- Watch the Heat: Keep a close eye on your glaze while simmering. The key is a gentle, low heat to prevent burning and achieve that perfect thick consistency.
- Consistency is King: To test if your glaze is ready, use the "spoon test" - if it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear path when you run your finger through it, you've nailed it!
- Timing Matters: For the most incredible flavor, brush the glaze onto your ham during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This allows it to caramelize beautifully without burning.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This glaze can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making meal prep a breeze.
- Versatility Tip: While perfect for ham, this glaze can also be an amazing sauce for roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even as a dipping sauce for appetizers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
