Sure you can easily go out and buy a ham already glazed and slide it into the oven – believe me, it’s been done at my home! I can assure you, though, making a glaze and roasting your own ham is just as easy.

1 8 – 12 lb. ham, smoked and bone-in (the size is entirely up to you and number of guests)

1 – 2 cups of apple cider

1 cup honey

1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar

1/4 cup Dijon or whole grain mustard (again, your preference)

1/2 stick of butter – preferably unsalted

Place your ham, cut side down, fat side up, in a deep baking sheet.  Pour over the apple cider. Cover the ham with aluminum foil sealing the sides and bake for 45 minutes at 350F.  In a saucepan combine the honey, brown sugar, mustard and butter and cook over low heat until sugar is dissolved.  Set aside and allow to cool to room temperature.  After 45 minutes remove the ham.  Turn the oven up to 425F. With a sharp knife score the fat into a diamond pattern over the entire ham.  Brush the ham with a generous amount of the glaze, working into the fat, about 1/3 cup.  Return to the oven and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes.  Remove and brush with more glaze.  Repeat every 15 min. or so until all the glaze has been used, about 45 – 60 minutes total.  The ham should form a deep golden crust.  Remove and let rest 15 minutes before serving.