Murvelous Brown Sugar Glaze for Ham: A Step-by-Step Guide

Looking to add a touch of sweetness and complexity to your ham? Then a brown sugar glaze is the perfect choice! This rich and flavorful glaze is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste. Follow our detailed step-by-step guide to make the perfect glaze for your ham.

Ingredients You Will Need

Brown sugar (light or dark, to your preference) Butter or ghee (optional but recommended) Canned pineapple juice (optional) Ground cloves (optional) Canned pineapple (chunked, sliced, or crushed, with juice) Raisins (white or regular) Maple syrup (optional) Pomegranate molasses (optional) Molasses (optional) Whole cloves (optional) Dry mustard powder (optional) Corn starch (optional for thickening)

How to Make Brown Sugar Glaze for Ham

Firstly, it’s important to understand the basics of making a brown sugar glaze. The most common method is to dissolve brown sugar in either butter or ghee, and sometimes, canned pineapple juice, over low heat. Here are several methods to provide a variety of flavors:

Method 1: Dissolve in Butter or Ghee

Begin by melting a cup of brown sugar in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Once the sugar is fully melted, you can add butter or ghee of your choice. Stir until well combined. To add a tropical twist, include a half cup of canned pineapple juice. You can also add a sweet and aromatic flavor by including 1/3 cup of molasses or pomegranate molasses. Season with ground cloves for an extra layer of complexity. Stir in 1/3 cup of crushed or chunked pineapple and add some of the pineapple juice for a burst of flavor. After slicing your ham, drizzle a spoonful or two of the glaze over the top for a pleasant and savory touch during serving.

Method 2: Use Brown Sugar Water

To prepare the glaze, mix 1/2 cup of brown sugar with 1/2 cup of hot water in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Let the mixture reduce for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. If you find the glaze is too thin, add a little corn starch and mix until the desired consistency is achieved. Drizzle the glaze over your ham towards the end of the cooking time, ensuring it has a chance to caramelize and coat the ham perfectly.

Method 3: Combine Butter, Pineapple, and Raisins

In a saucepan, mix 1/2 cup of butter with 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple and a half-cup of liquid brown sugar. Stir over low heat for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens. Drizzle 1/3 of the mixture on the ham during baking. Another 1/3 should be added when you take it out of the oven, and the final 1/3 can be served in a small bowl.

Enhancing the Glaze

To make the glaze richer, start with 1/2 cup of maple syrup mixed with 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Stir until dissolved and drizzle over the ham near the end of the cooking time.

For a thicker glaze, cook it down low and slow, stirring often. As the glaze cools, it will thicken naturally, but be careful not to let it cook for too long, or it may become too chewy and resemble candy instead of a glaze.

If you prefer a looser glaze, simply add some pineapple juice or orange juice. For a richer and aromatic version, start with 1/2 stick of butter, and add a few whole cloves. Remember to remove them before serving, as they can impart an unpleasant taste.

For a bit of a zing, add a little dry mustard powder. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors will elevate your ham to a whole new level.

Tips for Perfect Glazing

Always taste and adjust the sweetness level to your liking. The amount of each ingredient can be altered according to the size of the ham. For Christmas, a rich and complex flavor like pomegranate molasses can make for a memorable glaze.

When making the glaze, work over low heat to avoid burning the sugar. Once it’s fully melted and combined, it should be placed over the ham towards the end of the baking time to ensure it caramelizes and coats the ham evenly.

By following these detailed steps, you can create a delicious and tasty glaze that will enhances the delightful flavors of your ham. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your perfect combination. Happy cooking!