What better way (indeed, our favourite way) to celebrate the festive season than with food? Here’s a simple yet classic recipe: easy to make for a fuss-free Christmas. Just add candlelit tables, family, friends and good cheer. Tried and tested right here, it went down an absolute storm, so get ready to wow your guests.
INGREDIENTS
3 cups (750ml) apple juice
4 cups (1 litre) alcoholic apple cider
1 cup (250ml) maple syrup
2 cups (350g) brown sugar
¼ cup (70g) hot English mustard
1 cup (250ml) apple cider vinegar
10 cloves
8 bay leaves
1 bunch sage leaves
1 x 8kg leg ham, rind removed*
METHOD
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Add the apple juice, apple cider, maple syrup, sugar, mustard, vinegar, cloves, bay leaves and sage in a large saucepan over high heat.
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Bring to the boil and cook for 30 minutes or until reduced and syrupy.
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Strain the glaze, discarding the solids.
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Preheat the oven to 200C (400F). Place the ham, top-side down, unto a deep-sided roasting dish and wrap the hock with non-stick baking paper and aluminium foil. Pour the glaze over the ham and cook for 1 hour.
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Remove from the oven, turn the ham over and cook for a further 30 minutes or until dark, golden brown and sticky. Remove the ham from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Spoon the remaining glaze over the ham to serve.
* Use a sharp knife to score the skin around the hock before using your fingers to gently remove the skin from the ham. Trim any excess fat.
Recipe from Donna Hay