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Slow Cooker Spiral Ham: A Perfect Dish for Any Occasion

Spiral ham is a classic dish enjoyed at festive gatherings, Sunday roasts, or even as a delightful mid-week meal. Its sweet and smoky flavour combined with the tenderness of the meat makes it a favourite among many. One of the best ways to prepare a spiral ham is by using a slow cooker, which ensures that the meat is infused with flavour and remains juicy and tender. In this article, we’ll explore how to prepare a succulent slow cooker spiral ham that will have your friends and family coming back for seconds.

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

Cooking spiral ham in a slow cooker has several advantages. First, it allows you to maintain a consistent, low temperature over an extended period, which helps to break down the fibres in the meat, resulting in a tender texture. Moreover, the slow cooker is a convenient option when preparing large meals, as it frees up valuable oven space that can be reserved for other dishes. Finally, the low and slow cooking method is incredibly forgiving, making it less likely for the ham to dry out compared to traditional roasting methods.

Ingredients

For a delightful slow cooker spiral ham, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked spiral-cut ham (approximately 2 to 3 kg)
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar or orange juice
• Whole cloves (optional)
• Pineapple slices or maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker

Begin by preparing your slow cooker. Depending on the size of your ham, you may need a larger slow cooker (at least 5 to 7 quarts) to accommodate the meat comfortably. If desired, you can line the slow cooker with a liner for easy clean-up.

2. Glaze the Ham

In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar (or orange juice). Mix well to create a delicious glaze that will complement the ham’s rich flavours.

3. Score the Ham

Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This scoring allows the glaze to penetrate the meat more effectively, enhancing the overall flavour. If you wish, you can also insert whole cloves into the intersections of the scoring for added aroma.

4. Place Ham in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the scored ham to the slow cooker, cut side down. Pour the glaze mixture evenly over the top, ensuring that it seeps into the scored sections. If you like, you can also place pineapple slices or maraschino cherries on top for an attractive presentation.

5. Cook the Ham

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Allow the ham to cook for approximately 6 to 8 hours, depending on its size. There’s no need to turn the ham, as the low heat will ensure even cooking.

6. Serve

Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F), it’s ready to be served. Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for around 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and delicious ham when served.

If desired, you can thicken the remaining glaze in the slow cooker by turning it to the high setting and allowing it to reduce for a few minutes before drizzling over the sliced ham.

Conclusion

Cooking spiral ham in a slow cooker is not only a straightforward process but a foolproof method that yields succulent results. Whether you’re hosting a festive celebration or simply enjoying a family meal, this tender, flavourful ham is sure to please. Pair it with traditional sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy the ease and flavour of this slow-cooked delight at your next gathering!

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