Grandpa Joe's
Baked Ham

Another childhood favorite of mine.

About this recipe

I remember enjoying baked ham as a child.  I vaguely remember that it was served only for special occasions, but I distinctly remember that it was invariably served with pineapple slices and cherries.  This was, of course, well before pre-cut, spiral-sliced hams were available, at least in our little corner of the world in Olean, New York!

With some significant encouragement from my three oldest grandchildren, I offer this recreation of my parent's recipe with great pride!

Ingredients

  • 1 fully-cooked ham, 6 to 10 pounds
  • pineapple
  • cherries
  • orange juice
  • honey
  • brown sugar
  • extra virgin olive oil

Directions

  1. Using a sharp knife, score the ham diagonally (about an inch apart) without slicing into the meat. 
  2. Place the ham, flat side down, in a roasting pan.  Add a cup of water and 3 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan.
  3. Roast, uncovered, in a preheated 325° F oven for 15 minutes per pound, or until the center of the ham reaches 130° F.
  4. Meanwhile, combine a half cup each of pineapple juice, cherry juice, orange juice, and brown sugar.  Add a quarter cup of honey.  Bring the glaze to a boil and let simmer for 5 minutes.  Cover, and set aside.
  5. When the ham reaches 130° F, decorate the sides with (fresh or canned) pineapple slices and pitted cherries (as shown here).  Toothpicks can be used to secure the fruit to the meat.
  6. Then, baste the ham generously with the glaze mixture.  Raise the oven temperature to 400° F and cook for another 10 minutes.  Baste the ham again, and cook for another 10 minutes.
  7. Remove the ham to a platter, cover with aluminum foil, and let rest for at least 10 minutes, or until ready to slice and serve.
  8. Garnish the serving platter with the roasted pineapple slices and cherries.

Notes

  • I prefer using pineapple and cherries to accent and decorate baked ham, mostly because of my childhood memories.  That's the way my mother always prepared her hams.  Needless to say, there are countless alternatives, all of which produce equally decorative and delicious results.
Baked Ham, ready for basting with glaze at 400° F.
Ready for the dining table!  Mille grazie, Chris.
Posted: December 2015.