Spiral ham, with its pre-sliced convenience and inherent smokiness, is a holiday staple. But to truly elevate it to a memorable centerpiece, following a trusted method is key. Martha Stewart, renowned for her culinary expertise and impeccable taste, offers a foolproof approach to cooking a spiral ham that is both moist and flavorful. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, from choosing the perfect ham to crafting a delectable glaze that will impress your guests.
Choosing the Right Ham: The Foundation of Success
Before even thinking about the oven, the quality of your ham is paramount. Look for a fully cooked, bone-in spiral ham. Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful and retain moisture better than their boneless counterparts. Examine the packaging: is the ham properly sealed? Check the “sell-by” or “use-by” date to ensure freshness.
Consider the size. A good rule of thumb is to estimate about ½ to ¾ pound of bone-in ham per person. This allows for ample servings and potential leftovers for sandwiches or other dishes.
Pay attention to the label. Terms like “water added” or “ham and water product” indicate a higher water content, which can affect the ham’s flavor and texture. Opt for a ham labeled simply as “ham” for the best quality.
Preparing Your Ham: Setting the Stage for Flavor
Once you’ve selected your ham, proper preparation is essential. Remove the ham from its packaging and discard any giblet packets or extra flavor packets that may be included. These are often unnecessary and can detract from the ham’s natural flavor.
Rinse the ham briefly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This step helps remove any excess salt or preservatives from the surface.
Allow the ham to sit at room temperature for about one to two hours before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly. Don’t leave it out for longer than two hours for food safety reasons.
Crafting a Martha-Worthy Glaze: The Sweet and Savory Symphony
The glaze is what truly transforms a spiral ham from ordinary to extraordinary. Martha Stewart offers various glaze recipes, but a classic combination of sweet and savory elements works wonders. Here’s a customizable glaze recipe inspired by her principles:
Glaze Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor
- 1 cup brown sugar: Provides sweetness and caramelization.
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard: Adds tang and depth.
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup: Enhances sweetness and adds a glossy finish.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with acidity.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Contributes umami and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves or cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice (optional).
- Pinch of cayenne pepper: For a subtle kick (optional).
Preparing the Glaze: A Simple Yet Crucial Step
In a saucepan, combine all the glaze ingredients. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly. This process allows the flavors to meld together and creates a richer, more concentrated glaze.
Remove the glaze from the heat and let it cool slightly before applying to the ham.
Cooking the Ham: Patience is Key
Cooking a spiral ham is less about “cooking” and more about gently heating it through and glazing it to perfection. Since the ham is already fully cooked, the goal is to bring it up to a safe internal temperature and infuse it with flavor.
Preheating the Oven: Setting the Stage
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). A lower temperature ensures that the ham heats evenly without drying out.
Preparing the Baking Dish: Moisture Retention is Paramount
Line a large roasting pan with aluminum foil. This makes cleanup easier.
Place a roasting rack inside the pan. This elevates the ham, allowing for even heat circulation.
Add about 1 cup of water or apple cider to the bottom of the pan. This creates steam, which helps keep the ham moist.
Cooking Time: A Guide to Perfection
Place the ham, cut-side down, on the roasting rack.
Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to retain moisture during the initial cooking phase.
Bake the ham for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham, away from the bone, to accurately measure the temperature.
Glazing the Ham: The Final Flourish
During the last 20-30 minutes of cooking time, remove the foil from the ham.
Brush a generous layer of the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring that it gets into all the crevices of the spiral slices.
Return the ham to the oven and continue baking, basting with the glaze every 5-10 minutes. This repeated basting creates a beautiful, glossy finish and infuses the ham with flavor.
Watch the ham carefully to prevent the glaze from burning. If the glaze starts to darken too quickly, tent the ham loosely with foil.
Resting the Ham: An Essential Step
Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) and is beautifully glazed, remove it from the oven.
Transfer the ham to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Tent the ham loosely with foil during the resting period to keep it warm.
Carving and Serving: The Grand Finale
Carving a spiral ham is relatively straightforward, thanks to its pre-sliced nature.
Use a sharp carving knife to separate the slices from the bone.
Arrange the slices on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or rosemary, for an elegant presentation.
Serve the ham with your favorite side dishes, such as scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.
Tips for Success: Elevating Your Ham to Martha-Level Excellence
Don’t overcook the ham. Overcooked ham will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that it reaches the correct internal temperature.
Basting is key. Frequent basting with the glaze ensures that the ham is evenly coated and infused with flavor.
Adjust the glaze to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations to create a glaze that suits your taste. Try adding a touch of orange zest, pineapple juice, or bourbon for a unique twist.
Save the ham bone. The ham bone can be used to make a flavorful soup or stock.
Leftover ham is a treasure. Use leftover ham to make sandwiches, salads, omelets, or casseroles.
Glaze Variations: Explore Different Flavor Profiles
While the classic brown sugar and mustard glaze is a winner, there are countless ways to customize the glaze to create a unique flavor profile. Here are a few ideas:
Honey-Garlic Glaze
Combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and a touch of red pepper flakes for an Asian-inspired glaze.
Maple-Bourbon Glaze
Use maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a sophisticated and flavorful glaze.
Apricot-Dijon Glaze
Combine apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, and a touch of garlic powder for a sweet and tangy glaze.
Pineapple-Ginger Glaze
Use pineapple juice, brown sugar, ginger, and a touch of soy sauce for a tropical twist.
Troubleshooting: Addressing Common Issues
Ham is too dry: Ensure that you are not overcooking the ham. Also, make sure to add water or apple cider to the bottom of the roasting pan to create steam.
Glaze is burning: If the glaze is starting to burn, tent the ham loosely with foil. You can also lower the oven temperature slightly.
Ham is not heating evenly: Make sure that the ham is placed on a roasting rack and that the oven temperature is accurate.
By following these tips and techniques, you can create a Martha Stewart-inspired spiral ham that will be the highlight of your holiday feast. Enjoy!
What size spiral ham should I buy for my holiday gathering?
The ideal size spiral ham depends on the number of guests you’re expecting. A good rule of thumb is to plan for approximately 1/2 pound of bone-in ham per person. This allows for ample servings and potential leftovers, which are always welcome after a holiday feast. Consider a slightly larger ham if you’re planning on making sandwiches or other dishes with the leftover ham.
For example, if you’re hosting 10 guests, a 5-pound ham would be a suitable choice. If you have a larger group of 20 people, aim for a 10-pound ham. Remember to factor in any side dishes you’ll be serving, as they will contribute to the overall amount of food available. Accurate planning ensures everyone enjoys a satisfying holiday meal.
How do I prepare a Martha Stewart spiral ham for baking?
Before placing your spiral ham in the oven, it’s crucial to bring it to room temperature. Remove the ham from the refrigerator approximately two to three hours prior to baking. This allows for more even cooking and prevents the outside from drying out before the inside is fully heated. While the ham is resting, you can prepare your chosen glaze and preheat your oven.
After bringing the ham to room temperature, gently remove it from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This step helps the glaze adhere better during baking. Place the ham, cut-side down, in a roasting pan lined with foil for easier cleanup. Now, it’s ready for the glaze application and baking according to your recipe’s instructions.
What is the best glaze to use for a Martha Stewart spiral ham?
Martha Stewart offers a wide range of delicious glaze recipes perfect for a spiral ham. Some popular options include a classic honey-mustard glaze, a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze, or a more sophisticated apricot-ginger glaze. The best glaze depends on your personal preference and the overall flavor profile you want to achieve for your holiday meal.
When choosing a glaze, consider the ingredients you already have on hand and the level of sweetness you desire. Read the recipe thoroughly and ensure you have enough time to prepare the glaze properly. Remember that the glaze should complement the ham’s natural flavor without overpowering it. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own signature glaze!
How long should I bake a Martha Stewart spiral ham?
Baking time for a spiral ham depends on its weight and whether it’s fully cooked or partially cooked. Generally, fully cooked spiral hams need to be reheated to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), while partially cooked hams need to reach 145°F (63°C). Follow the instructions on the ham’s packaging as a primary guide.
A common rule of thumb is to bake the ham for approximately 10-15 minutes per pound at 325°F (160°C). Use a meat thermometer to accurately monitor the internal temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the ham without touching the bone. Basting the ham with the glaze during the last 30 minutes of baking will enhance its flavor and appearance.
How do I prevent my Martha Stewart spiral ham from drying out during baking?
To prevent your spiral ham from drying out while baking, maintaining moisture is key. One effective method is to add water or broth to the bottom of the roasting pan. This creates steam that helps to keep the ham moist and tender throughout the baking process. Replenish the liquid as needed during baking to ensure it doesn’t evaporate completely.
Another helpful technique is to tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil during the initial part of the baking process. This traps moisture and prevents the surface from browning too quickly. Remove the foil during the last 30-45 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a beautiful, glossy finish. Basting the ham with its juices or the glaze also adds moisture and flavor.
How should I carve a Martha Stewart spiral ham for optimal presentation?
Spiral hams are already partially sliced, which simplifies the carving process. To carve, begin by placing the ham on a cutting board with the cut-side down. Using a long, sharp carving knife, gently run the knife along the bone to release the pre-cut slices. The slices should easily separate from the ham.
Arrange the slices attractively on a platter, slightly overlapping them for a visually appealing presentation. You can also garnish the platter with fresh herbs or fruit for added color and flair. Serve the ham with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the compliments on your beautifully carved and delicious centerpiece.
What are some creative ways to use leftover Martha Stewart spiral ham?
Leftover spiral ham is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into numerous dishes. Consider using it in sandwiches, omelets, or quiches for quick and easy meals. You can also dice the ham and add it to pasta dishes, salads, or soups for added flavor and protein. The possibilities are truly endless.
For a more creative approach, try using leftover ham in scalloped potatoes, ham and bean soup, or even ham fried rice. The smoky, savory flavor of the ham will enhance these dishes and provide a delicious twist on classic recipes. Store leftover ham properly in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain its quality and enjoy it for days to come.