Best Apricot Glazed Ham With Cranberry Chutney Recipes

Apricot glazed ham with cranberry chutney is a delicious and festive dish that is often enjoyed during the holiday season. This dish combines the salty and savory flavor of ham with the sweetness of apricot glaze and tartness of cranberry chutney. The result is a complex and balanced flavor profile that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we will explore the ingredients and preparation of apricot glazed ham with cranberry chutney recipes.

Ingredients

The main ingredients required to prepare apricot glazed ham with cranberry chutney recipes are as follows:

Ham:

The key ingredient of this recipe is the ham. You can choose to use any type of ham such as spiral-cut, fully cooked bone-in, or boneless ham. The weight of the ham depends on the number of people you will serve, but generally, a 7-10 pound ham will feed a decent sized crowd.

Apricot Glaze:

To prepare the apricot glaze, you will require apricot preserves, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger and ground cinnamon. These ingredients will combine to create a thick, sweet and slightly tangy glaze that will give the ham a beautiful caramelized coating.

Cranberry Chutney:

The cranberry chutney complements the sweetness of the apricot glaze with its tart, slightly acidic flavor. To prepare the chutney, you will need fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and orange zest. The chutney should be cooked until it thickens and has a jam-like consistency.

Preparation

The preparation process of apricot glazed ham with cranberry chutney recipes is fairly simple and straightforward. Follow the steps below to prepare this delicious and festive dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Start by scoring the ham by making shallow cuts across the top in a diamond pattern. This will allow the glaze to seep into the ham and the fat to render out while cooking. Place the ham on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake it in a preheated oven at 325°F for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the ham.

Step 2: Prepare the Apricot Glaze

While the ham is baking, prepare the apricot glaze by combining all the ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium heat and stir occasionally until the glaze thickens and the sugar dissolves. Remove the glaze from heat once it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Step 3: Apply the Apricot Glaze

Once the ham has baked for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, remove it from the oven and brush the apricot glaze generously over the ham. Return the ham to the oven and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glazed ham is slightly caramelized and golden brown.

Step 4: Prepare the Cranberry Chutney

While the ham is cooking, prepare the cranberry chutney by combining all the chutney ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat and stir occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for around 15-20 minutes, or until the chutney thickens.

Step 5: Serve

Once the apricot glazed ham with cranberry chutney is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Cut it into slices and serve it with the cranberry chutney on the side.

Conclusion

Apricot glazed ham with cranberry chutney is a delicious and festive dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. The sweet and tangy flavors of the glaze and chutney perfectly complement the salty flavor of ham, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite. You can adjust the amount of glaze and chutney according to your personal taste, and feel free to experiment with spices and herbs to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe.

Apricot glazed ham with cranberry chutney is a classic recipe that is perfect for holiday dinners or any special occasion. The sweetness of the apricot glaze pairs perfectly with the tangy flavor of the cranberry chutney. However, preparing this dish can be quite challenging for some people, especially those who are not used to cooking or who are new to the recipe. Fortunately, there are many tips and tricks that you can use to ensure that your apricot glazed ham with cranberry chutney turns out perfectly. Here are some valuable tips that you can use:

Tip 1: Choose the right ham

The first and most important tip when making apricot glazed ham with cranberry chutney is to choose the right ham. You want a ham that is fully cooked and preferably bone-in. The bone provides additional flavor to the ham and also helps it cook more evenly. You can choose from a spiral-cut ham or a whole ham, depending on your preference.

Tip 1.1: Spiral-cut ham

If you choose a spiral-cut ham, make sure that you buy one that is already glazed or seasoned. This will save you a lot of time and effort, as you will not need to add any additional seasoning or glaze.

Tip 1.2: Whole ham

If you choose a whole ham, you will need to score the ham first before glazing it. Scoring involves making shallow cuts on the surface of the ham, which will allow the glaze to penetrate the meat and add more flavor. Make sure to score the fat layer rather than the meat itself, as this will prevent the ham from drying out during cooking.

Tip 2: Prepare the glaze and chutney ahead of time

Another important tip when making apricot glazed ham with cranberry chutney is to prepare the glaze and chutney ahead of time. This will save you a lot of time and stress on the day of the event. You can prepare the glaze and chutney a day or two ahead and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them.

Tip 2.1: Apricot glaze

To prepare the apricot glaze, you will need apricot preserves, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cider vinegar, and spices such as cinnamon and cloves. Mix all the ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.

Tip 2.2: Cranberry chutney

To prepare the cranberry chutney, you will need fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, cider vinegar, chopped onion, grated ginger, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. You can also add chopped apples, raisins, or other dried fruits to the chutney for additional flavor.

Tip 3: Glaze the ham properly

Glazing the ham properly is crucial to achieving the perfect apricot glazed ham with cranberry chutney. The glaze should be applied during the last 30 to 45 minutes of cooking to prevent it from burning. Use a brush or a spoon to apply the glaze evenly all over the ham, making sure to get into the scored areas.

Tip 3.1: Baste the ham

Basting the ham during cooking will also help to keep it moist and flavorful. You can baste the ham with the pan juices or with some additional glaze every 15 to 20 minutes.

Tip 3.2: Use a meat thermometer

Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your ham is cooked to the right temperature. The internal temperature of the ham should be 140°F to 145°F when it is fully cooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, making sure not to touch the bone.

Tip 4: Serve with cranberry chutney

Finally, when serving apricot glazed ham with cranberry chutney, make sure to serve the chutney alongside the ham. The tangy flavor of the chutney complements the sweetness of the glaze and adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish. You can also garnish the ham with some fresh herbs or sliced fruit for an elegant presentation.

Tip 4.1: Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, you can use them to make sandwiches or to add flavor to soups or stews. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months and use them later for quick and easy dinners.

Conclusion

By following these valuable tips, you can make the perfect apricot glazed ham with cranberry chutney that your guests will love. Remember to choose the right ham, prepare the glaze and chutney ahead of time, glaze the ham properly, and serve with cranberry chutney for the best results. With a little practice, you will soon be making this classic holiday dish like a pro.