Gift-Wrapped Ham with Raisin Wine Sauce

The memory is etched in my mind: the crisp, linen tablecloth, the gleaming silverware, and, in the center of it all, this masterpiece. Not just a ham, but a work of art, swathed in golden-brown pastry ribbons. My grandmother always prepared this for Christmas Eve, and the moment she carried it into the dining room, conversation would cease, replaced by gasps of admiration. The savory aroma of the ham mingled with the sweet, fruity scent of the raisin wine sauce, creating an unforgettable sensory experience that signaled the start of the holidays. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a tradition, a symbol of love and togetherness carefully baked into every slice.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Yield: 1 gift-wrapped ham
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 1 (3 lb) cooked ham (oblong one in the can)

• Pastry for single-crust pie

  • 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup solid shortening (I use Crisco)
  • 3 tablespoons ice cold water
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon sage

• 1 egg, beaten

• Paprika, to garnish

• Raisin Wine Sauce

  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup seedless raisins
  • 1 (10 ounce) jar jelly (I use apple, can use cherry or currant)

Equipment Needed

• Medium bowl
• Pastry blender or 2 knives
• Fork
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Saucepan

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center.

2. Remove the ham from the can. Set aside for wrapping.

3. Prepare the pastry. In a medium bowl, measure out the flour. Add the dry mustard and sage to the flour.

4. Cut in the shortening. Using a pastry blender (or two knives if you don’t have one), work the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, about the size of peas. This step is crucial for a flaky crust. Don’t overmix!

5. Add the ice cold water. Sprinkle the water, one tablespoon at a time, over the flour mixture. Toss lightly with a fork after each addition until the dough just comes together in one piece. Avoid overworking the dough, or it will become tough.

6. Roll out the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 14-inch square. The dough should be large enough to completely encase the ham.

7. Wrap the ham. Place the ham in the center of the rolled-out pastry. Wrap the pastry around the ham as you would wrap a package.

8. Seal the pastry. Moisten the edges of the pastry with cold water and press them together firmly to seal. Ensure there are no gaps or openings to prevent the ham juices from leaking during baking.

9. Place on baking sheet. Position the wrapped ham seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

10. Decorate (optional). Use leftover pastry to cut strips for a ribbon and bow. Place these strips on top of the wrapped ham to create a gift-wrapped appearance.

11. Adhere decorations. Moisten the edges of the pastry strips with ice water and press firmly to seal.

12. Egg wash. Brush the entire surface of the pastry, including the ribbons and bow, with the beaten egg. This will give the pastry a beautiful golden-brown color and a glossy finish.

13. Garnish. Sprinkle paprika on the ribbon and bow for color and taste. The paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the ham.

14. Bake. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Check the ham periodically to ensure the pastry isn’t browning too quickly. If it is, you can loosely tent it with foil.

15. Remove and slice. Once the pastry is golden brown and cooked through, remove the ham from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

16. Prepare the Raisin Wine Sauce. While the ham is baking, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and dry mustard in a saucepan.

17. Add liquids. Gradually whisk in the dry red wine and water until smooth. This will prevent lumps from forming.

18. Cook the sauce. Cook the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens and boils. Be patient and keep stirring to prevent scorching.

19. Add raisins and jelly. Stir in the raisins and jelly. Heat for 3 minutes more, or until the jelly melts and the sauce is smooth. The jelly adds sweetness and body to the sauce.

20. Serve. Slice the gift-wrapped ham and serve hot with the Raisin Wine Sauce.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a richer pastry, substitute half of the shortening with butter.
• If the pastry starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
• To prevent the bottom of the pastry from becoming soggy, preheat the baking sheet in the oven before placing the ham on it.
• For a more intense flavor, marinate the ham in a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices for a few hours before wrapping it in pastry.
• Add a pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon to the raisin wine sauce for a warmer, more festive flavor.
• You can prepare the raisin wine sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This gift-wrapped ham is best served hot, sliced into generous portions, and drizzled with the warm Raisin Wine Sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an elegant presentation. Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce can also be stored separately in the refrigerator. To reheat the ham, wrap it in foil and warm it in a low oven until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices. The sauce can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, the ham can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	643.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	309 g	48%
Total Fat	34.4 g	52%
Saturated Fat	10.9 g	54%
Cholesterol	122 mg	40%
Sodium	262.4 mg	10%
Total Carbohydrate	45.7 g	15%
Dietary Fiber	1.2 g	4%
Sugars	20.1 g	80%
Protein	33.6 g	67%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Pastry: Use a gluten-free pie crust recipe or a store-bought gluten-free pie crust for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Different Jelly: Experiment with different flavors of jelly in the sauce. Cherry or currant jelly offers a tangier flavor profile compared to apple.
• Spiced Ham: Add a blend of ground spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a more festive flavor.
• Different Wine: A dry sherry or Madeira wine can be used instead of red wine in the sauce for a slightly different flavor.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar in the raisin wine sauce to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a pre-made pie crust to save time?
A: Absolutely! A store-bought pie crust is a great shortcut. Just make sure it’s large enough to wrap the ham completely.

Q: What if I don’t have dry red wine?
A: You can substitute grape juice or cranberry juice for the red wine, but the flavor profile will be sweeter and less complex. Adding a tablespoon of red wine vinegar can help mimic the acidity.

Q: How can I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?
A: Make sure to bake the ham on a preheated baking sheet and ensure the oven is at the correct temperature. A quick par-bake of the bottom crust before wrapping the ham can also help.

Q: Can I make the raisin wine sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving.

Q: What’s the best way to slice the ham?
A: Use a sharp carving knife to slice the ham into thin, even slices. Slicing against the grain will make the ham more tender.

Final Thoughts

This Gift-Wrapped Ham with Raisin Wine Sauce is more than just a dish; it’s a statement. It’s a declaration of love, a celebration of tradition, and a guaranteed conversation starter. Don’t be intimidated by its elegant appearance – it’s surprisingly simple to make. Gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and create a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your creations and feedback. Pair it with roasted vegetables and a crisp white wine for a truly unforgettable meal. Happy cooking!