Holiday Spiced Cranberry, Orange & Calendula-Glazed Ham: A Sweet and Savory Centerpiece
"A celebration of floral aromas and warm spices, this ham brings festive flavors to life with every slice."
Introduction
During the holidays, creating a memorable centerpiece is essential, and this Holiday Cranberry, Orange & Calendula-Glazed Ham does just that. It’s more than a classic ham—this dish combines the tartness of cranberry, the brightness of orange, and a floral hint of lavender to bring an aromatic and unforgettable experience to the table.
Combining a floral element like calendula in a spiced cranberry-orange glaze brings a subtle twist that transforms this ham into an unforgettable holiday delight. This recipe offers a harmonious balance between the sweet and savory, floral and spiced, making it a centerpiece that truly celebrates the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The floral hint of lavender adds depth to classic holiday spices.
- Aromatic Experience: Fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that’s sure to impress guests.
- Easy Yet Impressive: Despite its gourmet appeal, this ham is surprisingly easy to prepare.
- Beautiful Presentation: The glaze caramelizes into a glossy finish, adding elegance to any holiday table.
- Versatile Pairing: Pairs beautifully with other festive sides like roasted vegetables or spiced potatoes.
Floral Spotlight: Calendula
Calendula’s warm, slightly peppery notes add a vibrant, earthy depth to both savory and sweet dishes. Known for its sunny color and mild flavor, calendula brings a subtle hint of spice and a touch of bitterness that pairs well with fresh herbs and citrusy ingredients. Always choose edible-grade, pesticide-free calendula for safe culinary use.
Flavor Profile: Mildly peppery with a slight bitterness and subtle herbal undertones.
Health Benefits of Calendula: Calendula, often called "marigold," is prized for its medicinal and culinary properties. Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, it may support skin health, aid wound healing, and boost the immune system. Calendula is also known to promote digestive health and soothe irritation, making it a versatile addition to your diet. Learn more about the health benefits of edible flowers, including calendula, in our detailed guide here.
Culinary Uses: Perfect for infusing oils, garnishing salads, enhancing soups, and adding color to rice and baked goods.
Varieties: Common calendula (Calendula officinalis) is typically used in culinary applications for its mild flavor and vibrant color.
Harvesting Tips: Pick calendula flowers early in the day to capture peak freshness and flavor.
Preparation: Gently rinse and pat dry the petals; use fresh for bright color, or dry for a more concentrated flavor.
For detailed tips on sourcing and preparing edible flowers, visit my post How to Source and Prepare Edible Flowers: A Guide to Culinary Blooms.
What is a Glazed Ham?
A glazed ham is a festive dish where a fully cooked ham is basted and baked with a glaze, often sweet or spiced, to create a flavorful and caramelized crust. The glaze’s ingredients typically include a mixture of sugar, fruit, and spices, adding depth to the ham’s natural savoriness.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Cranberry Juice & Fresh Cranberries: These bring a tangy, fruity base to the glaze, balancing the sweetness of the ham.
- Orange Juice & Zest: Adds brightness and a citrusy contrast, enhancing both flavor and aroma.
- Calendula Petals or Hibiscus Tea Bags: Calendula brings a mild, peppery undertone, while hibiscus offers a subtly tart alternative.
- Brown Sugar: Provides the glaze’s sweetness and aids in caramelization, creating a glossy finish.
- Cinnamon & Cloves: Warm spices that complement the floral and fruity elements perfectly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Roasting Pan: For even heat distribution, resulting in a perfectly baked ham.
- Saucepan: To prepare the floral cranberry-orange glaze.
- Basting Brush: Essential for evenly coating the ham with the glaze.
- Strainer (optional): Useful for straining out lavender buds if a smoother glaze is desired.
Tips for Success
- Strain for Smoothness: If using lavender buds, strain the glaze to remove the buds for a polished, smooth glaze.
- Baste Regularly: Brush the glaze every 20 minutes to achieve a beautiful caramelized crust.
- Mind the Lavender: A small amount of lavender goes a long way—add sparingly to avoid overpowering.
- Add Zest Last: Stir in the orange zest after simmering to retain its fresh, vibrant aroma.
- Cooked Ham Tip: Use a fully cooked ham for ease and follow package instructions for baking time and temperature.
Discover the Art of Cooking with Flowers
Unleash your culinary creativity with our introduction to floral-infused cuisine. Explore the beauty, flavor, and artistry of edible blooms in your kitchen.
👉 Read The Art of Cooking with Flowers and let your dishes blossom!
[mailerlite_form form_id=5]Serving Suggestions
Serve this holiday ham as a dazzling main dish with a garnish of fresh cranberries and orange slices. Pair it with herb-roasted potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a winter salad with pomegranate seeds. To enhance the flavors, pour yourself a glass of sparkling cranberry or mulled wine for a festive pairing.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore a world of floral-infused creations in our Recipe Collection and let your culinary journey bloom!
Variations and Dietary Adjustments
- Swap Calendula for Rosemary: For a slightly different floral touch, rosemary can bring an earthy, herbaceous note.
- Sugar-Free Option: Use a sugar substitute to reduce sweetness while maintaining the glaze’s consistency.
- Add a Spicy Twist: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper in the glaze for a hint of heat.
- Hibiscus Glaze Alternative: If lavender is not available, hibiscus tea bags can add a tart, fruity layer instead.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out, and save any extra glaze to refresh the ham’s flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
Complement this holiday ham with a side of roasted carrots drizzled with honey or a baked sweet potato mash. For drinks, a light cranberry or orange mimosa enhances the dish’s citrus notes, making it a perfect holiday feast.
Closing
May this Holiday Spiced Cranberry, Orange & Calendula-Glazed Ham bring warmth, elegance, and a touch of floral beauty to your table this season. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience! Please share your thoughts in the comments below and tag your creations with #PetalPoetryCuisine. Don’t forget to subscribe for more floral-inspired recipes and culinary inspiration.
Each slice of this holiday ham reveals layers of flavor—a rich glaze of tart cranberry and vibrant orange, enhanced by a gentle hint of calendula. As it roasts, the warm aromas fill the room, bringing a sense of celebration and elegance to your table. This dish transforms a classic into a poetic masterpiece, a centerpiece that is as enchanting as it is delicious.
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 1/2 cups cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 tablespoon dried calendula leaves or 2 hibiscus tea bags
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Prepare the Floral Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, brown sugar, fresh cranberries, and dried calendula (or hibiscus tea bags). Simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld until it slightly thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
Strain (Optional):
Strain the glaze to remove calendula petals for a smoother finish, or leave them in for a rustic touch and added visual appeal.Add Spices and Zest: Stir in cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest for a warm, spiced profile.
Glaze the Ham: Brush the ham generously with the floral cranberry-orange glaze and bake according to ham package instructions, basting every 20 minutes for a beautifully caramelized crust.
Choosing the Ham: For the best results, select a fully cooked, bone-in ham for maximum flavor and moisture.
Floral Ingredient Options: If you can’t find culinary calendula, hibiscus tea bags make a delightful substitute, adding a similar floral note.
Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar based on your sweetness preference; honey or maple syrup can also work as alternatives.
Basting Technique: Regular basting helps create a beautifully caramelized exterior. Make sure to reserve some glaze for the final touch when serving.
Serving Suggestions: This ham pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, fresh salads, and crusty bread to soak up the delicious glaze.
Thank You for Printing!
Thank you for bringing a touch of floral inspiration into your kitchen! We hope this recipe blooms into a delightful culinary experience for you. Don’t forget to share your creations with us using #PetalPoetryCuisine!