STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is perfect for slowly warming the ham and allowing the glaze to develop.

STEP 2: PREPARE THE HAM

Place the ham on a large cutting board or a baking dish. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about ¼ inch deep. This not only looks beautiful but also allows the glaze to penetrate the meat for more flavor. Take your time with this step; a well-scored ham enhances the presentation and ensures that each slice is infused with that delicious glaze.

STEP 3: MAKE THE GLAZE

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. The aroma of the glaze will fill your kitchen, and you may find yourself wanting to taste it at this stage!

STEP 4: GLAZE THE HAM

Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into the scored cuts. Reserve some glaze for later basting. If you like, you can use a basting brush for even coverage. The goal is to coat the ham thoroughly so that every slice will be packed with flavor.

STEP 5: ROAST THE HAM

Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for about 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes with the reserved glaze. This will help to develop a beautiful caramelized crust. The foil helps to keep the moisture in, but be sure to remove it during the final stages of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize beautifully.

STEP 6: FINISH ROASTING

After an hour, remove the foil and continue roasting for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). The glaze should be bubbly and caramelized. You can increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 10-15 minutes to enhance the caramelization if desired.

STEP 7: REST AND SERVE

Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful ham. Garnish with fresh herbs or pineapple slices if desired. The resting period is crucial; it keeps the meat juicy and flavorful, making your first slice an unforgettable one.