Must-Try Thanksgiving Mains for a Turkey-Free Feast

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Spiral Ham

Spiral glazed ham is a holiday classic that brings a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors to the table. The ham is slowly baked and basted with a glaze of orange juice, cranberry sauce, and brown sugar, creating a caramelized coating that’s both festive and delicious. The glaze seeps into each slice, adding bursts of flavor, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering. Better yet - it’s ultra-easy to prepare!

Ingredients (for 8-10 servings):

• 1 fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (8-10 lbs)
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or smooth)
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• Fresh cranberries and orange slices, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham cut side down in a large roasting pan and cover loosely with foil.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir well and simmer for 5-7 min., until thickened slightly.
3. Brush a generous layer of glaze over the ham. Reserve some glaze for basting.
4. Bake the ham for 1½ to 2 hours, basting with glaze every 20-30 min. For the last 15 min., remove foil and brush with a final layer of glaze to allow the ham to caramelize.
5. Remove from the oven and let the ham rest for 10 min. before slicing. Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices, if desired.