Ree Drummond, known as The Pioneer Woman, offers a collection of simple, yet flavorful, ham recipes perfect for an effortless Easter feast. Her approach prioritizes ease of preparation without sacrificing taste, making these recipes ideal for cooks of all skill levels. The common thread? Quick execution and delicious results.
Glazed Easter Ham: The Soda Secret
Drummond’s classic Glazed Easter Ham uses a surprising ingredient: soda. A fully cooked, bone-in ham is scored in a diamond pattern and studded with cloves. While baking (typically 2-3 hours), a glaze made from brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and either Dr. Pepper or Coca-Cola is simmered until reduced. The ham is basted every 20 minutes during the final stretch, resulting in a moist, flavorful finish. The soda adds unexpected depth and tenderness to the ham.
Apricot and Mustard Glazed Ham: Sweet and Tangy
For those who prefer a sweet-and-tangy profile, Drummond’s Apricot and Mustard Glazed Ham delivers. The process mirrors the first recipe – scoring, cloves, baking. However, the glaze features apricot preserves, mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and ground ginger. This combination balances sweetness with a pleasant tang, complementing the salty ham.
Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham: Rich and Deep
This recipe is tailored for bourbon enthusiasts. The Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham boasts a rich flavor profile thanks to the inclusion of bourbon alongside maple syrup, yellow mustard, and orange zest. Drummond emphasizes the importance of using a bone-in ham: “Bone-in hams have more flavor and a better texture than boneless ones. They also stay nice and moist in the oven (spiral-cut hams can dry out when baked).”
Slow Cooker Ham: The Easiest Method
Drummond’s Slow Cooker Ham offers the ultimate convenience. The ham is studded with cloves and placed in a slow cooker filled with soda (the same glaze base as her classic recipe). After five hours of cooking, the ham is glazed with the reduced soda mixture for a final burst of flavor. This method eliminates oven stress, making it perfect for a relaxed Easter preparation.
These recipes prove that a delicious Easter ham doesn’t require hours of work. By prioritizing simplicity and smart ingredient choices, Ree Drummond provides foolproof methods for creating a memorable main course.
