Baked Ham With a Brown Sugar, Rum and Cayenne Glaze

Ingredients

• 12 lbs ham, bone in
• 1/4 cup whole cloves, for studding
• 2 cups apple cider
• 2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/2 cup dark rum
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. 2

   Using a large knife, cut off the skin and all but 1/4 inch of the fat from the ham, leaving the surface as smooth as possible.

3. 3

   Score the top and sides of the ham diagonally in two opposite directions about 1 1/2 inches apart, creating a diamond pattern.

4. 4

   Stick a clove into the corners of each diamond.

5. 5

   Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan.

6. 6

   Add the apple cider and 2 cups water to the pan; bake for 2 hours, adding more water after an hour if needed.

7. 7

   While ham bakes, combine the brown sugar, rum, salt and cayenne pepper to taste in a bowl; stir until smooth; let stand for 10 minutes to allow sugar to dissolve partially.

8. 8

   Remove ham from the oven and brush the glaze evenly over the ham; reserve the leftover glaze.

9. 9

   Return the ham to the oven and bake for 1 hour longer, brushing with the glaze every 15 minutes.

10. 10

    Transfer ham to a large platter and cover loosely with foil; allow to rest for 15 to 30 minutes.

11. 11

    While ham rests, pour the liquid from the roasting pan into a fat separator or a large glass measuring pitcher; let the fat rise to the surface, then pour or spoon off as much fat as possible; float a piece of paper towel on the surface to absorb the remaining fat.

12. 12

    Pour the degreased liquid into a small saucepan and add the remaining glaze to make a sauce; rewarm and pour in a sauceboat.

13. 13

    Serve ham warm with the sauce.