Slow-Cooked Christmas Ham

Amish Holiday Hero: Slow-Cooked Christmas Ham

This Amish-inspired Christmas Ham recipe is your secret weapon for a festive feast that's sure to impress. Combining the classic flavors of the holidays with the ease of slow cooking, this dish delivers a mouth-watering aroma and succulent taste that makes it a standout hero at any holiday table.

Ingredients for Amish Holiday Hero

• Ham: 5-6 pounds of pre-cooked, bone-in ham ensures a rich flavor and tender meat.
• Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds a sweet caramelization that pairs beautifully with the saltiness of the ham.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (1/2 cup): Introduces a tangy contrast to the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Water (1/2 cup): Helps to maintain moisture in the cooker, preventing the ham from drying out.
• Mustard Powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a slight kick and depth to the sauce.
• Ground Cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, spicy hint that is essential for holiday cooking.
• Cinnamon Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a sweet, woody aroma which complements the cloves beautifully.
• Ginger Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mildly spicy and zesty note, rounding out the spice blend perfectly.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ham:
   • Place the ham flat side down in your slow cooker. This orientation helps the ham cook evenly and absorb the flavors more effectively.
2. Create the Glaze:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, mustard powder, ground cloves, cinnamon, ginger, apple cider vinegar, and water. Whisk until well blended. This glaze will caramelize beautifully, giving the ham a gorgeous, glossy finish.
3. Cook:
   • Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, ensuring it is well-coated. Set your slow cooker to low and cook the ham for 6-8 hours. The low and slow approach allows the flavors to meld and the ham to become exceptionally tender.
4. Baste Periodically:
   • Basting the ham periodically with the cooking juices will enhance its flavor and moisture, making every slice succulent.
5. Rest and Serve:
   • Once cooked, remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the slices drizzled with the warm spiced glaze from the cooker.

Health and Nutrition Benefits:

• Ham: A good source of protein, essential for muscle maintenance and repair.
• Spices: Antioxidants in cloves, cinnamon, and ginger offer anti-inflammatory properties and can aid digestion.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this delectable ham with sides of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
• For a more traditional Amish touch, pair it with homemade bread or apple sauce.

Storage Tips:

• Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to a month, making it perfect for sandwiches or adding to soups.

Why This Recipe is a Holiday Hero:

• Easy Preparation: Simple steps and the slow cooker do most of the work, freeing you to enjoy the holiday festivities.
• Flavorful and Festive: The spices and slow cooking method ensure that every bite is packed with holiday cheer.
• Versatile: This ham can be the centerpiece for a lavish dinner or serve as a delightful addition to holiday brunches.

Enjoy the divine flavors of this Amish Holiday Hero: Slow-Cooked Christmas Ham and let it become a new tradition in your holiday feasts! Share your experiences and photos in our Facebook group "Friends of Recipe Sovereign" to inspire fellow food lovers.