Fork Tender Slow-Cooked Baked Ham

Ingredients

• 4 lbs pre-cooked boneless ham
• 1/4 cup whole cloves
• 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sweet butter
• 3/4 cup plus 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1 orange, sliced thin
• 2 slices candied ginger
• 2 large green apples, peeled, pitted and cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1/4 cup dark raisin
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice

Directions

1. 1

   Wash ham and pat dry with paper towels.

2. 2

   Score ham with a sharp knife in a diagonal pattern. Repeat scoring, diagonally, in the opposite direction to create a criss-cross pattern. Randomly insert cloves at the crossings.

3. 3

   Place the ham fat side up on a large enough sheet of heavy duty aluminum foil to securely wrap it. (The melting fat will baste your ham while it cooks.).

4. 4

   In a small saucepan combine 1/3 cup butter, 3/4 cup maple syrup and the the next six (6) ingredients; cook over medium heat and bring to a full boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and cook one (1) minute.

5. 5

   Brush ham with maple glaze. (Any leftover glaze can be warmed up and served with ham.)

6. 6

   Lay orange slices on top, and place one slice of ginger on each side of the ham.

7. 7

   Wrap up the ham; place in crock-pot.

8. 8

   Cover and cook on HIGH for one (1) hour, then reduce the heat to LOW and contiune to cook for 6 to 7 hours, or until the meat thermometer registers 160 degree F.

9. 9

   Remove the ham from the crock-pot; let sit for a few minutes before removing from the foil.

10. 10

    Meanwhile, in a skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the apples, raisins, remaining maple syrup, vanilla and apple pie seasoning. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until apples are tender -stirring occasionally.

11. 11

    Place ham on a warmed serving platter. Drizzle the juices from within the foil over the ham.

12. 12

    Slice ham; serve with the apples.

13. 13

    COOK'S TIP: The leftovers make delicious Monte Cristo sandwiches or split pea and ham soup. Another idea, cube the leftover ham and freeze it in 1-cup packages to use in casseroles.