Cola-Baked Ham With Cherry-Orange Glaze

Submitted by one of our loyal readers, Maureen Ciarolla sends this timely and yummy twist on the traditional baked ham recipe. Maureen writes: “Here is a great Ham recipe and I am not a fan of ham but my I really like it and my family (ham lovers) loved it!” Maureen is well known in the Pittsburgh region as owner of Envy White Smile and an active member and leader among various women’s advocacy groups throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. Need a quick and painless way to brighten your smile…contact Maureen! Now, onto the recipe…

One 12- to 15-pound fully cooked bone-in ham

1 teaspoon ground allspice

One 2-liter bottle cola

3/4 cup cherry preserves or jelly

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or other orange-flavored liqueur

Preheat the oven to 325ºF.Trim the rind and excess fat from the ham, leaving a 1/4-inch thick layer of fat. With a sharp knife, score the fat in a crosshatch diamond pattern. Place the ham in a large roasting pan and sprinkle on all sides with the allspice. Pour the cola into the pan and bake uncovered for 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with the pan juices.In a medium saucepan, combine the cherry preserves, orange juice, and Grand Marnier and cook over medium heat, stirring, until the preserves are dissolved, about 2 minutes.Remove the ham from the oven and brush the top and sides with the cherry glaze. Return the ham to the oven and bake, brushing with pan juices and glaze every 10 minutes and tenting the ham with foil if browning too quickly, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of ham without touching the bone registers 140ºF, 15 to 30 minutes.Remove the ham from the oven and let rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour before slicing. Arrange the sliced ham on a platter and serve warm. Makes 12 servings. Enjoy and Happy Sharing!