Limerick Ham with Honey Mustard Glaze

Ingredients

• 1 Limerick ham (about 4-5 pounds) (1.8-2.3 kg) 1 Limerick ham (about 4-5 pounds) (1.8-2.3 kg)
• 1 onion, peeled and quartered 1 onion, peeled and quartered
• 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 cup (240 ml) water 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider
• 1 cup (240 ml) honey 1 cup (240 ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) Dijon mustard 1/4 cup (60 ml) Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 30g
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. 2.
   In a large pot, place the ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and black peppercorns. Pour in the water and apple cider.
3. 3.
   Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours, or until the ham is tender.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce to make the glaze.
5. 5.
   Remove the ham from the pot and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Brush the ham generously with the honey mustard glaze, making sure to cover the entire surface.
7. 7.
   Bake the ham in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is golden brown.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
9. 9.
   Serve the Limerick Ham with Honey Mustard Glaze warm, and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use a good quality honey for the glaze to enhance the flavor. If you prefer a milder sweetness, you can reduce the amount of honey slightly.
• Dijon Mustard — Opt for a smooth and creamy Dijon mustard to achieve a velvety texture in the glaze.
• Whole Grain Mustard — The whole grain mustard adds a delightful texture and tanginess to the glaze. Choose a brand that suits your taste preferences.
• Apple Cider Vinegar — The apple cider vinegar provides a subtle tang to balance the sweetness of the glaze. If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a beautiful caramelized glaze, baste the ham with the honey mustard mixture every 10-15 minutes while it bakes.
• For an extra burst of flavor, you can stud the ham with whole cloves before baking.
• Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, salads, or added to soups and stews for a delicious twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Limerick Ham with Honey Mustard Glaze as the centerpiece of a festive Irish meal. Accompany it with traditional sides like colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale) and roasted root vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Present the Limerick Ham on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs and surrounded by the roasted vegetables. Slice the ham and arrange it neatly to showcase the caramelized glaze. Serve with a side of the honey mustard glaze for dipping.