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- 6-8 lb fully cooked ham (bone-in or boneless) - 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries - 1 cup orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed) - Zest of 1 orange - 1 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) This recipe brings together simple yet vibrant ingredients that create a holiday ham to remember. Start with a ham that weighs between 6 and 8 pounds. Both bone-in and boneless options work well. Next, grab those cranberries. You can use fresh ones or frozen ones if the fresh ones are not available. Orange juice is a key player too. I prefer using freshly squeezed juice for the best taste. Now let’s add some flavor enhancers. The zest of one orange adds a bright kick. Brown sugar sweetens the dish and creates a lovely glaze. Ground cinnamon adds warmth, making it feel festive. For cooking essentials, ground ginger and ground cloves deepen the flavor. You will also need chicken or vegetable broth to keep the ham moist. If you want a thicker sauce, have cornstarch ready. This blend of ingredients makes every bite of ham juicy and flavorful. To get started, score the surface of the ham with a diamond pattern. This means you make shallow cuts across the top. Make sure not to cut too deep into the meat. Scoring helps the flavors seep in and makes the ham more tasty. Now, let’s make the cranberry orange sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and spices. Add brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves to the bowl. Mix everything well until the sugar starts to dissolve. You’ll see a bright and colorful sauce form, and it smells amazing! Next, let’s layer the ham and sauce in the slow cooker. Place the scored ham inside, making sure it fits nicely. Pour the cranberry-orange mixture over the ham, letting it flow down the sides. Pour chicken or vegetable broth around the ham. This will keep it moist while it cooks. Put the lid on the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook the ham for about 6-8 hours. You’ll know it’s done when it’s hot and tender. If you want a thicker sauce, you can thicken it later using cornstarch. Using a meat thermometer is key. I recommend checking the thickest part of the ham. The ideal temperature is 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked ham. This ensures that the ham warms up evenly and stays juicy. To boost the taste, try adding spices or fruit. For a warm touch, consider nutmeg or allspice. You might also add apple slices or dried cherries. These additions can create a unique flavor that your guests will love. If you want a thicker sauce, cornstarch is your friend. After cooking, take the juices from the slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. Heat the juices in a saucepan, then slowly whisk in the slurry. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens. This quick method makes a rich sauce for your ham. {{image_4}} You can switch things up by adding different fruits. Pineapple and apple slices work great. They add a sweet twist to your ham. Just place them on top of the ham before cooking. This keeps the ham moist and adds a nice flavor. You can also mix in other berries. Blueberries or raspberries can add a fun burst of taste. Experimenting with fruits can take your dish to the next level. Want to give your ham a global flair? Try adding spices like star anise. It gives a warm, sweet flavor. You can also use different types of citrus. Grapefruit or lemon can add a fresh zing. These changes keep the dish exciting and unique. Don't be afraid to play with spices and flavors from around the world. Your ham can be both familiar and new at the same time. You don’t have to stick to the slow cooker. You can also cook your ham in the oven. Just place it in a roasting pan and cover it with foil. Bake it low and slow for a tender result. If you're in a hurry, a pressure cooker can be a great option too. It cooks the ham quickly while keeping it juicy. No matter the method, your ham will shine with flavor. To keep leftover ham fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or foil. Place it in an airtight container. Store the ham in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the ham. Cut it into slices or chunks before freezing. This helps with thawing later. When frozen, it can last for up to three months. When ready to eat your leftover ham, there are simple ways to reheat it. You can use the oven, microwave, or stovetop. For the oven, preheat it to 325°F. Place the ham in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. If you choose the microwave, slice the ham into pieces. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Check it to make sure it's warm throughout. The stovetop works too! Just add a little broth in a pan, warm it up, and add the ham until hot. Leftover ham is very versatile. You can add it to many dishes. Try making ham and cheese sandwiches for lunch. Dice it up for a hearty breakfast scramble with eggs. You can also toss it into soups or stews for extra flavor. For a quick meal, add it to pasta with veggies. Leftover ham makes a great addition to salads too! To check if the ham is done, look for tenderness. Use a fork to test. If it pulls apart easily, it is ready. The safe internal temperature for ham is 140°F (60°C). You can use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. A well-cooked ham should feel warm and juicy. Yes, you can cook a larger ham. Make sure it fits in your slow cooker. If your ham is over 8 pounds, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Add an extra hour for every additional pound. Always check the temperature to ensure it cooks fully. Serve this ham with tasty side dishes. Here are some ideas: - Mashed potatoes - Roasted vegetables - Green bean casserole - Cranberry sauce - Stuffing These sides will enhance the flavors and make your meal festive. Cranberry orange slow cooker ham is a simple and tasty dish for the holidays. We covered key ingredients like ham, cranberries, and orange juice, plus flavor boosters like brown sugar and spices. You learned how to prepare and cook the ham, ensuring it turns out tender and flavorful. Remember, you can add your own twist, like different fruits or spices. This dish not only feeds a crowd but also offers delicious leftovers. Enjoy your cooking journey and impress your family with this festive meal!

Cranberry Orange Slow Cooker Holiday Ham

Elevate your holiday meals with this Cranberry Citrus Slow Cooker Delight! This delicious recipe features a perfectly cooked ham smothered in a vibrant cranberry-orange sauce that’s easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll be serving a festive dish that’s sure to impress. Discover how to make this flavorful centerpiece for your gatherings by clicking through for the full recipe and tips!
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Ingredients
  

6-8 lb fully cooked ham (bone-in or boneless)

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

1 cup orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)

Zest of 1 orange

1 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth

1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Fresh orange slices and sprigs of rosemary for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ham: Begin by scoring the surface of the ham with a diamond pattern, taking care to ensure you don’t cut too deeply into the meat. This scoring will allow the delicious flavors to better penetrate the ham during the cooking process.

    Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Stir the ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed and the sugar begins to dissolve, creating a vibrant sauce.

      Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the scored ham in the slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably. Evenly pour the cranberry-orange mixture over the ham, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Then, pour the chicken or vegetable broth around the ham, which will help maintain moisture while it cooks.

        Cook the Ham: Secure the lid on the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let the ham cook for about 6-8 hours, or until it is heated through and tender when checked with a fork.

          Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker after cooking and transfer the cooking juices to a small saucepan. Over medium heat, bring the juices to a gentle simmer. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Gradually whisk this slurry into the simmering juices, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

            Serve: Slice the ham into attractive serving pieces and generously drizzle the aromatic cranberry sauce over each slice. For a beautiful presentation, garnish the dish with fresh orange slices and sprigs of rosemary, adding a festive flair to your holiday table.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 8 hours | 8-10 servings