Orange glazed ham

Serves: 8

If they like it, it serves 8 otherwise

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 4 hours

Totaltime: 4 hours 30 minutes

The sage oil or olive oil and chopped sage definitely add another level of flavor. Don't skip this step. Use half of a small bunch of sage leaves to make the paste rub. Baste the ham every 30 minutes Carrots and turnips may be cooked with the ham.

Ingredients

1 (8 to 10-pound) smoked ham, bone-in, skin on
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 bunch fresh sage leaves
1/4 cup sage oil or virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut in chunks
2 medium navel oranges, sliced thin, seeds removed
2 cups orange juice
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 1/2 pounds peeled baby carrots Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
Place the ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up. Using a sharp knife, score the ham with cuts across the skin, about 2-inches apart and 1/2-inch deep. Cut diagonally down the slashes to form a diamond pattern; season with salt and pepper.
Chop about 6 of the sage leaves and put in a bowl; mix with the oil to make a paste. Rub the oil all over the ham, being sure to get the flavor into all the slits. Bake the ham for 2 hours. Prepare the orange glaze while the ham cooks.
1. For the glaze: Place a saucepan over medium heat. Add cut up butter, oranges, orange juice, brown sugar, water, and spices. Slowly cook the liquid down to a syrupy glaze; this should take about 30 to 40 minutes.
2. After the ham has been cooking for about 2 hours, pour the orange glaze all over it, with the pieces of fruit and all. Scatter the remaining sage leaves on top and return the ham back in the oven. Continue to cook for 1 1/2 hours, basting with the juices every 30 minutes.
3. Scatter the carrots and turnips of used around the ham and coat in the orange glaze. Place the ham back in the oven and cook for a final 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender, the ham is dark and crispy, and is glistening with a sugary glaze.
4. Set the ham on a cutting board to rest before carving. Serve the carrots and orange glaze on the side.