Tangerine Glazed Ham With Fresh Sage

shimmerchk's Note:

This recipe comes from Tyler Florence and makes the most magnificent and delicious ham we have ever tasted! It is beautiful when it comes out of the oven and the aroma while its cooking is just heavenly. I am posting the recipe as Tyler has written it, however, when I prepare this I make a few changes to lower the sugar and fat content in the glaze which are as follows: I reduced the butter to 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup smart balance spread; I reduced the brown sugar to 1 cup and added 1 cup of splenda mixed with a few tablespoons of sugar free maple syrup. I reduced the water content to 1/2 cup and only had to simmer for an additional 15 minutes to get the syrup texture. The substitutions work well, but I am sure this original recipe below will blow you away!

• Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 4 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

• 1 (8 lb) smoked ham, bone-in,skin on
• kosher salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• 15 fresh sage leaves (one large bunch, Please don't use dried sage, it will definitely not be the same)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cut in chunks
• 2 tangerines, sliced thin,seeds removed
• 2 cups freshly squeezed tangerine juice (it takes about 8-10 tangerines for this amount)
• 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
2. Put the ham in a large roasting pan, fat-side up.
3. Using a sharp knife, score the ham with cuts across the skin, about 2-inches apart and 1/2-inch deep.
4. Cut diagonally down the slashes to form a diamond pattern; season the meat generously with salt and pepper.
5. Chop about 8 of the sage leaves and put it in a bowl; mix with the oil to make a paste.
6. Rub the sage-oil all over the ham, being sure to get the flavor into all the slits.
7. Bake the ham for 2 hours.
8. Assemble the glaze as the ham is baking.
9. For the glaze: Place a saucepan over medium heat.
10. Add the chunks of butter, tangerines, tangerine juice, brown sugar, water, and spices.
11. Slowly cook the liquid down to a syrupy glaze; this should take about 30 to 40 minutes.
12. After the ham has being going for a couple of hours, pour the tangerine glaze all over it, with the pieces of fruit and all.
13. Scatter the remaining sage leaves on top and stick the ham back in the oven and continue to cook for another 2 hours, basting with the pan juices every 30 minutes.
14. The ham is done when it is dark and crispy, and the whole thing is glistening with a sugary glaze.
15. Set the ham on a cutting board to rest for 10- 15 minutes before carving.
16. Serve the tangerine glaze on the side if desired.

Reviews

[snowghost]

I found this recipe by accident about several years ago and it is now a family tradition for Christmas and Easter. My family can't get enough of it. I've never made it with carrots, not many of members of my family are crazy about carrots. I would recommend this recipe to anyone. Don't change a thing! It's moist and juicy, I have to hide the leftovers or there won't be any.

[CiaoBellaChow]

I have been making this ham for the past 5 years. It has become our tradition at Easter and Christmas. Since my family isn't that taken with cooked carrots, I do not add them to them to the roasting pan. It is a recipe that you can count on every time. I wish I could be this confident with cooking a turkey! You just can't go wrong with this recipe and the aroma makes your mouth water!! Every time you open the oven door to baste it with that wonderful glaze, you want it to be done. I found you do not need the 3 1/2 hours called for in the recipe...I usually make a 10-12 lb ham. I have made small changes. I omit the water all together and make 1 cup of tangerine juice for a more concentrated but not overpowering flavor. Do make sure you use unsalted butter, and everything else stays the same. I usually get the ham in the oven and right away start on the glaze. Without the water it becomes more syrupy. After 1 hour in the oven I pour the hot glaze all over the ham, then baste every 20 minutes for the next 1 and 20 minutes. Turns out gorgeous, a real showstopper & everyone wants more. Extremely easy, turns out great. Will be your favorite ham recipe, maybe even your new tradition. One other note, remove the cloves from the glaze before pouring over the ham, biting into one of those will definitely ruin what you have been waiting for, for 3 hrs....experience :) Enjoy!

[Cathey56]

I did review this @ foodnetwork.com. Incredible flavor will make again. Pictures look dark, but flavor is worth the work.