If you’re planning on making a ham for Easter dinner this year and want to try something different, this recipe is definitely the way to go! You can change the flavour quite dramatically by using a flavoured balsamic vinegar.

Ingredients:

  • 1 – bone-in skinless smoked ham, shank or butt end portion, 6-8 lbs.
  • 1 cup Dark Balsamic Vinegar – some of our favourites for ham are the Maple Balsamic Vinegar, Cinnamon-Pear Balsamic Vinegar, or Traditional Dark Balsamic Vinegar.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon or grainy mustard

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325.
  2. Line a large roasting pan with foil.
  3. With a sharp knife, score the fat all over the ham in a diamond pattern.
  4. Place the ham, cut side down, in the roasting pan and cover tightly with foil.
  5. Bake for 1 hour.
  6. Meanwhile, reduce the balsamic to 1/2 cup, by gently simmering it in a medium sauce pan set over low heat. This process should be done slowly, taking approximately 25-30 minutes to complete.
  7. When the balsamic vinegar has become thick and syrupy and is reduced by half, remove from heat and whisk in the Dijon mustard.
  8. After baking for an hour, remove the ham from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 350.
  9. Using a pastry brush, liberally apply the balsamic glaze all over the ham, paying special attention to working it in to the scored portions.
  10. Cover just the shank end with a small piece of foil to prevent it from burning.
  11. Return the uncovered ham to the oven and roast for approximately 35 minutes, or until the glaze has caramelized and the ham is golden brown.

Serves 8