My Family’s Best Christmas Ham Recipe

My Family’s Ham Recipe with Beer

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Description: Elevate your festive feasts with this unique family-favorite ham recipe that marries the sweetness of brown sugar, the tanginess of cola, and the fruity flavors of pineapple and cherries with the distinct taste of beer. Adding a can of beer like Bud Light infuses the ham with a subtle, malty flavor, making it a standout dish for holiday celebrations or special family gatherings.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 to 2.5 hours (depending on the size of the ham)

Inactive Time: 15 minutes (for resting)

Servings: 10-15, depending on the size of the ham

Ingredients:

• 1 whole, bone-in, fully cooked ham (about 5-7 kg/11-15 lbs)

• 1 can (12 ounces) cola (Coca-Cola or similar)

• 1 can (12 ounces) Bud Light beer (or similar)

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1 pineapple, sliced into rings

• Maraschino cherries

• Toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Place the ham in a large roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife.

3. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and honey to create a paste. Rub this mixture over the ham.

4. Pour the cola and beer around the base of the ham in the roasting pan.

5. Attach pineapple rings to the ham using toothpicks. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring, secured with a toothpick.

6. Loosely cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven. Baste the ham with the pan juices every 30 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C), about 15-18 minutes per pound. I suggest using a meat thermometer to get the temperature just right. *This is my favorite

7. Remove from oven and let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

8. Slice and serve the ham, drizzling extra pan juices over the top if desired.

Notes to Make it Better:

• For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding spices like mustard powder or ground cloves to the brown sugar and honey mix.

• Instead of Bud Light, you can use a darker beer for a richer flavor.

• If you prefer a crispy exterior, remove the foil in the last 30 minutes of baking.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 350-450 (Varies with serving size and ingredients)

• Fat: 15-25g

• Sodium: 1.4-2.0g

• Carbohydrates: 20-30g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugars: 18-25g

• Protein: 30-40g

Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and serving sizes.

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