Holiday Ham a La Martha

DIRECTIONS

• Heat oven to 325ºF.
• Using a sharp knife, score surface of ham crosswise and lengthwise, forming a crosshatch pattern about 1/4-in deep and 1-in apart.
• Place 1 clove in the center of each square. Place ham, fat side up, in a double-layer disposable aluminum roasting pan and pat the brown sugar onto the surface of the ham (Expect some sugar to fall into the roasting pan)
• Transfer to oven, and bake until brown sugar just begins to melt, about 30 minutes.
• Pour Coca-Cola over ham, mixing with melted sugar in bottom of roasting pan. Baste ham with sugar/Coke mixture.
• Return to oven, and bake for 20 minutes more.
• Meanwhile, combine 1 cup reserved pineapple juice and wine in a small bowl. Baste ham with pineapple mixture.
• Bake ham for a total of 16 minutes per pound, basting every 20 minutes. During the last 20 minutes of baking time, decorate ham with pineapple rings (use 2-3 toothpicks to hold each ring in place).
• Center a cherry in the center of each ring, and attach it with a toothpick.
• Transfer ham to a platter, removing all toothpicks. Garnish ham with fresh bay leaves if desired.
• Makes 10-12 servings.