Maple and Apple Glazed Ham

Everyone asks me what I glaze my christmas ham with. This is my recipe. It's not full of booze, just simple sparkling apple juice, maple with some christmas flavours thrown in . So simple to  make, and adds a sweet christmas spice to your table.

Don't leave this ham only for special occasions or just christmas. It's fabulous as a Sunday meal, served with crunchy bread rolls, a quick coleslaw, or sliced and made into sandwiches.

Serves 10-12 people
Prep time 20 minutes 
Cooking time 1 hour 50 minutes

Ingredients:
1 x 5kg half leg ham
1 1/3  cups ( 300ml ) sparkling apple juice
3/4 cups maple syrup
1 1/2 cups ( 240g ) brown sugar
2 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
1 stick rosemary

1. Preheat the  oven to 180℃/160℃. Remove skin from ham by using a small sharp knife to score the skin around the hock and down one side of the ham . Using your fingers gently ease away the skin. Score fat in a diamond pattern. (don’t cut all the way through to flesh ) Place ham into a deep pan lined with baking paper.

2. Combine remaining ingredients in a small saucepan over medium high heat . Add a sprig of rosemary. Reduce to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes till slightly thickened.

3.  Strain and brush some of the glaze all over ham. Place a half cup of water in the base of the pan, so the glaze doesn't burn. Cook for 1 hour- 1 1/2 hours , basting every 15 minutes till golden and sticky .

Take the ham out of the oven:
Every time you baste, and turn the pan around, and return to the oven , so it gets even colour.
(Some ovens have hot spots, so good to allow the ham to become golden all over.)