Spiced Honey Mustard Cottage Ham with Purple Cabbage: A Flavorful & Festive Feast
Are you looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your next holiday gathering or a unique and delicious way to elevate a simple cottage ham? Look no further! This recipe for Spiced Honey Mustard Cottage Ham with Purple Cabbage is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures that will leave your guests wanting more. The sweetness of the honey and mustard perfectly complements the savory ham, while the spiced notes add a warm, comforting touch. The vibrant purple cabbage provides a beautiful visual contrast and a satisfying crunch, making this dish a feast for the eyes and the palate.
This recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and those new to the kitchen. It requires minimal active cooking time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal preparation or simply enjoy time with your loved ones. The combination of readily available ingredients and straightforward instructions makes this a truly accessible and rewarding dish to create.
## Why This Recipe Works
This recipe excels because of the careful balance of flavors and textures. The honey mustard glaze, with its sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy profile, is the perfect foil for the saltiness of the cottage ham. The addition of spices like cloves, cinnamon, and allspice enhances the warmth and depth of the glaze, creating a truly memorable taste experience.
The purple cabbage slaw provides a crucial element of contrast. Its crisp texture and slightly bitter flavor cut through the richness of the ham and glaze, preventing the dish from becoming overly heavy. The vibrant color of the cabbage also adds visual appeal, making this dish a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.
Furthermore, using cottage ham offers a more economical and readily available alternative to other types of ham, without sacrificing flavor or quality. The slow cooking method ensures that the ham remains moist and tender, allowing it to fully absorb the flavors of the glaze.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
**For the Spiced Honey Mustard Glaze:**
* 1/2 cup honey
* 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
**For the Cottage Ham:**
* 3-4 pound cottage ham (bone-in or boneless)
* 1/2 cup water or apple cider
**For the Purple Cabbage Slaw:**
* 1/2 head of purple cabbage, thinly sliced or shredded
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste
## Equipment
* Large roasting pan with rack
* Small saucepan
* Whisk
* Mixing bowl
* Knife and cutting board
* Aluminum foil
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Spiced Honey Mustard Cottage Ham with Purple Cabbage:
**Part 1: Preparing the Spiced Honey Mustard Glaze**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small saucepan, combine the honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the olive oil.
2. **Simmer and Thicken:** Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has slightly thickened. Be careful not to burn the glaze. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
**Part 2: Cooking the Cottage Ham**
1. **Prepare the Ham:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the cottage ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. If your ham has a rind, you can score it in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. This will help the glaze penetrate the ham and create a crispy exterior. You can remove the rind completely if you prefer.
2. **Place in Roasting Pan:** Place the ham on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour the water or apple cider into the bottom of the pan. This will help keep the ham moist during cooking.
3. **Apply the Glaze:** Using a brush or spoon, generously apply about half of the spiced honey mustard glaze all over the ham, ensuring that it coats every surface. Reserve the remaining glaze for basting.
4. **Cover and Bake:** Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil. This will prevent the ham from drying out during the initial cooking stages. Bake for approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham to check the temperature.
5. **Baste and Glaze:** Remove the foil from the roasting pan. Baste the ham with the remaining spiced honey mustard glaze every 15-20 minutes for the last 45-60 minutes of cooking time. This will create a beautiful, glossy finish and ensure that the glaze is evenly distributed. Continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. **Rest:** Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more tender and flavorful product. Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil during the resting period.
**Part 3: Preparing the Purple Cabbage Slaw**
1. **Prepare the Cabbage:** Thinly slice or shred the purple cabbage. You can use a mandoline slicer for even and consistent results. Place the cabbage in a large mixing bowl.
2. **Make the Dressing:** In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the quantities of honey and vinegar to your preference, depending on how sweet or tangy you like your slaw.
3. **Combine and Toss:** Pour the dressing over the cabbage and toss to combine, ensuring that the cabbage is evenly coated. Add the chopped fresh parsley and toss again.
4. **Chill:** Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly.
**Part 4: Carving and Serving**
1. **Carve the Ham:** After the ham has rested, transfer it to a cutting board. Use a sharp carving knife to slice the ham against the grain into thin slices. If you have a bone-in ham, carefully cut around the bone to remove the slices.
2. **Serve:** Arrange the ham slices on a platter and serve with a generous portion of the purple cabbage slaw. You can also drizzle some of the pan juices over the ham for added flavor.
## Tips for Success
* **Choose the Right Ham:** Select a high-quality cottage ham that is not overly salty. Look for hams that are naturally smoked or cured for the best flavor.
* **Don’t Overcook the Ham:** Overcooking the ham will result in a dry and tough product. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Adjust the Glaze to Your Taste:** Feel free to adjust the spices in the glaze to your liking. You can add more or less of any spice, or substitute different spices altogether. For example, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
* **Make the Slaw Ahead of Time:** The purple cabbage slaw can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
* **Get Creative with the Slaw:** Feel free to add other ingredients to the purple cabbage slaw, such as shredded carrots, chopped apples, or dried cranberries.
* **Use Pineapple Juice:** For a sweeter glaze, you can substitute pineapple juice for the apple cider or water used when cooking the ham.
* **Experiment with Mustards:** Different mustards can impact the final flavor. Stone-ground mustard adds a more rustic flavor and coarser texture.
* **Spice it up:** A dash of chili flakes in the glaze provides a nice contrast to the sweetness.
* **Herb Infusion:** Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the roasting pan while baking for an aromatic touch.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Other Types of Ham:** While this recipe is specifically designed for cottage ham, you can also use other types of ham, such as picnic ham or smoked ham hock. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Different Vegetables:** If you don’t like purple cabbage, you can substitute it with other vegetables, such as green cabbage, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli slaw.
* **Vegan Option:** For a vegan option, you can substitute the cottage ham with a large portobello mushroom cap or a roasted butternut squash. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar.
* **Maple Syrup:** Substitute maple syrup for honey in the glaze for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Brown Sugar Alternatives:** Coconut sugar or other brown sugar substitutes can be used if desired.
## Serving Suggestions
This Spiced Honey Mustard Cottage Ham with Purple Cabbage is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Main Course:** Serve the ham and slaw as the main course for a holiday dinner, Sunday supper, or special occasion.
* **Sandwiches:** Use the leftover ham to make delicious sandwiches. Add a smear of Dijon mustard and a scoop of the purple cabbage slaw for a truly memorable sandwich.
* **Salads:** Add sliced ham to salads for a protein boost and a burst of flavor.
* **Breakfast Hash:** Dice the ham and add it to a breakfast hash with potatoes, onions, and peppers.
* **Casseroles:** Use the ham in casseroles, such as scalloped potatoes or macaroni and cheese.
* **Charcuterie Board:** Add sliced ham to a charcuterie board with cheeses, crackers, and other appetizers.
## Storage Instructions
* **Leftover Ham:** Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Leftover Slaw:** Store leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The slaw may become slightly watery as it sits, so you may want to drain off any excess liquid before serving.
## Make-Ahead Tips
* **Glaze:** The spiced honey mustard glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.
* **Slaw:** The purple cabbage slaw can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Ham:** The ham can be cooked up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*
## Conclusion
This Spiced Honey Mustard Cottage Ham with Purple Cabbage is a truly special dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, along with the vibrant colors and contrasting textures, makes this dish a feast for all the senses. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your next holiday gathering or a unique and delicious way to elevate a simple cottage ham, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece! Enjoy!