Can ham get any better? Yup... especially when you add coffee!
Why coffee in a ham glaze, you ask? Well, the rich, slightly bitter notes of coffee provide a beautiful counterpoint to the sweetness of the glaze, creating a depth of flavor that's both surprising and utterly delicious. Our Buff Boy Brewing Co. coffee beans have a depth of character that shine through the glaze and complement the savory ham.
This recipe isn't just about adding coffee for the sake of it; it's about creating a harmonious balance of flavors that elevates the traditional ham to a whole new level. I've experimented with countless variations, and this one, using the specific characteristics of Buff coffee is a clear winner.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Ham:
1 bone-in, fully cooked ham (approximately 8-10 lb.)
Whole cloves (optional, for decorative purposes)
For the Coffee Infusion:
1 cup freshly brewed, strong coffee (Buff Boy Brewing Co. coffee)
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)
Brewing the Perfect Coffee for Infusion:
Don't skimp on this step! I highly recommend using a French press or pour-over method to brew your Buff coffee. This ensures a strong, clean-tasting brew that will infuse the glaze with maximum flavor. Use a coarse grind for the French press and a medium-fine grind for the pour-over.
For the French press, steep the coffee grounds in hot water (just off the boil) for 4 minutes, then gently press the plunger down. For the pour-over, slowly and evenly saturate the coffee grounds with hot water, allowing it to drip through the filter. Regardless of your chosen method, aim for a concentrated, flavorful cup of coffee.
Preparing the Coffee-Infused Glaze:
Now, let's get to the heart of the recipe: the coffee-infused glaze. This is where the magic happens!
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the freshly brewed Buff coffee, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cinnamon, ground cloves and cayenne pepper (if using).
Simmer and Reduce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The glaze should thicken slightly and reduce by about one-third. This process intensifies the flavors and creates a beautiful, glossy consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Once the glaze has reduced, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a touch more maple syrup or brown sugar. If you want more tang, add a splash of apple cider vinegar. Remember, the goal is to achieve a balance of sweet, savory, and slightly bitter flavors that complement the coffee.
Preparing and Glazing the Ham:
With the coffee-infused glaze ready, it's time to prepare the ham for its transformation.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Score the Ham: Remove the ham from its packaging and place it on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat and creates beautiful visual appeal.
Add Cloves (Optional): If desired, insert whole cloves at the intersections of the diamond pattern. This adds a touch of aromatic spice and visual flair.
First Glaze Application: Brush about half of the coffee-infused glaze evenly over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get into all the crevices created by the scoring.
Bake the Ham: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
Second Glaze Application: Remove the ham from the oven and brush it with the remaining coffee-infused glaze. Return the ham to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is heated through.
Rest Before Carving: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Serving and Enjoying Your Masterpiece:
After the resting period, your the ham is ready to be carved and served. The aroma alone will have your family and guests clamoring for a taste.
Carefully carve the ham into thin slices and arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a pop of color.
This ham pairs perfectly with classic Easter sides like scalloped potatoes, roasted asparagus, and honey-glazed carrots -- and my slow-cooker baked beans. The coffee-infused glaze adds a sophisticated twist that elevates the entire meal.
Tips and Variations:
Coffee Strength: The strength of your coffee will directly impact the flavor of the glaze. Experiment with different roasts (from Buff, of course!) to find your perfect balance. A darker roast will provide a more intense coffee flavor, while a lighter roast will be more subtle.
Spice It Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze along with the cayenne pepper.
Add Citrus: A tablespoon of orange zest or juice can add a bright, citrusy note to the glaze. (Maybe some pineapple for a traditional ham!)
Glaze Consistency: If the glaze becomes too thick during simmering, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.
The result is a ham that is both familiar and exciting, a dish that will impress your family and guests and leave them wanting more.