The 12 Glazes of Christmas
Blog Article
Whether it’s marmalade, bourbon, honey or chilli, these secret ingredients will make your Christmas ham sing.
We all know a glazed ham is the star of any holiday spread – a true Christmas showstopper. Bad presents? Forgotten. Family squabbles? Smoothed over. The moment that glazed ham hits the table, all is calm and all is bright.
But what makes a truly exceptional ham glaze? The kind that sparks compliments, second helpings and whispered requests for your secret recipe?
To find out, Otway Pork asked its fans to share their top tips for taking this holiday favourite to new heights. The response to our social media call-out was phenomenal, with fans sharing their secret ingredients and methods, developed over years, handed down through generations, introduced from international cuisines … all tested and all held tightly guarded. Until now.
We’ve mined the hundreds of responses to bring you the top 12 tips from Otway Pork fans on how to take your Christmas ham to the next level.
Tip 1: Marmalade: For a classic glossy finish, many swear by marmalade – be it store-bought or homemade. Its rich, citrusy sweetness creates a beautifully caramelised, golden crust that’s hard to beat.
Tip 2: Bourbon: One fan says a splash from the top shelf adds complexity and a hint of smokiness, perfectly complementing the ham’s natural flavours.
Tip 3: Vanilla sugar: For a glaze with a delicate, aromatic sweetness, pro butcher and chef Darren O’Rourke suggests vanilla sugar. Just a sprinkle adds that je ne sais quoi to leave your guests guessing what the secret ingredient is.
Tip 4: Mustard: Tangy and bold, mustard is a versatile addition. Fans recommend everything from Dijon to American and even Hot English mustard for a kick of heat.
Tip 5: Pineapple juice: An unconventional yet popular tip was adding pineapple juice to your glaze. Its natural sweetness and acidity can balance a glaze perfectly, while grilled pineapple slices can add a gorgeous pop of colour to your table spread.
Tip 6: Cherries: BBQ guru Mikey recommends cherries for a truly festive glaze. With cherry season in full swing here in Australia, it’s the perfect time to combine two Christmas classics into one impressive centrepiece. Simply simmer fresh cherries until they break down into a syrupy glaze that will add a beautiful sweetness and vibrant colour to the ham.
Tip 7: Chilli: For those who love a little heat, fans suggest a dash of cayenne or chipotle powder. Just enough spice to keep things exciting, without overpowering the ham’s natural flavour.
Tip 8: Bourbon and Honey: Social media sensation CheatMeats recommends pairing bourbon with honey for a glaze that’s sweet, smoky and simply irresistible. Bonus points if your ingredients are Australian-made.
Tip 9: Cola: For a glaze that’s delightfully unexpected, fans suggested adding your favourite cola. This fizzy drink brings a unique depth of flavour while its natural sugars create a mouthwatering caramelised crust that’s sure to impress.
Tip 10: Plum jam: One home cook’s suggestion was a dollop of plum jam. Its deep colour and rich, fruity tang will give your glaze a glamorous look and taste.
Tip 11: Beer: What’s more Australian than adding a splash of your favourite beer to your glaze? Fans suggest dark beers like stout or Guinness for a glaze that’s malty and full of character.
Tip 12: Cloves: If there’s one step you can’t skip, it’s studding your ham with cloves. Studding each square of fat with a clove is a tried-and-true tradition that infuses flavour and gives your ham that picture-perfect festive look.
For Otway Pork CEO Duncan Parry, the secret to a sensational Christmas ham is all about one zesty ingredient: orange juice.
“The bright, fruity flavours of citrus complement the rich, smokiness of Otway Christmas hams beautifully,” Duncan said.
“Mixed in with a dollop of mustard, this is a winning combination.”
For Duncan, a Christmas ham is about more than just great taste. “We love knowing that Otway hams, produced sustainably and ethically from the paddocks of south-west Victoria, are the centrepieces on holiday tables across the nation.”
Otway Pork can be found in butchers, delis, specialty food stores and supermarkets across Australia.
“We are encouraging people to head to their local quality butcher or deli and ask for Otway,” Duncan said.
“There’s nothing quite like supporting local while serving up a show-stopping feast for your loved ones.”
