Pineapple Glazed Ham Delight

Directions

• Oven Preparation – Preheat your oven to 325°F. Spray a large roasting pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This initial step ensures a smooth cooking process.
• Arrangement of Ingredients – Pat the ham dry with paper towels. Arrange the ham slices in the roasting pan, allowing slight overlaps. Intersperse pineapple slices among the ham, adding bursts of flavor. This setup ensures equal flavor distribution during baking.
• Making the Glaze – Combine reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, allspice, and liquid smoke in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.
• Thickening with Slurry – Add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering glaze. Stir well until the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency (about 2-3 minutes). This step ensures the glaze will stick well to the ham.
• Initial Bake – Generously apply the glaze to the arranged ham. Cover with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake for 30 minutes at the set temperature. This slow cooking allows deep infusion of the glaze into the ham.
• Final Glazing and Baking – Remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 425°F, reglaze the ham. Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to achieve a caramelized crust.
• Rest and Serve – Allow the ham to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This resting period helps the juices settle, making the ham juicier when cut. Slice and serve on a platter, garnished optionally with fresh herbs.