The Ultimate Spiral Ham with Cumberland Sauce: A Culinary Masterpiece

I remember the first time I made a spiral ham with Cumberland sauce. It was Christmas Eve, and I was determined to create a show-stopping centerpiece for our family dinner. The aroma that filled the kitchen as the ham baked, mingling with the sweet and tangy scent of the simmering Cumberland sauce, is a memory I cherish. The glistening ham, perfectly glazed and adorned with rosemary sprigs, was the star of the evening, and the Cumberland sauce added a vibrant layer of flavor that elevated the entire dish. This recipe has become a holiday staple, and I’m excited to share my version with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Servings: 10
• Yield: About 10 servings plus 2 cups of sauce
• Dietary Type: Varies (see variations)

Ingredients

• 7-10 lbs fully cooked spiral cut ham
• 8-10 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 large oven roasting bag

Cumberland Sauce

• 1 tablespoon margarine or 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 12 ounces red currant jelly
• 1 tablespoon grated orange rind
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh lemon rind
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup port wine

Equipment Needed

• Oven
• 13 x 9 inch baking dish
• Small saucepan
• Cutting board
• Meat thermometer

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Unwrap the ham carefully, and remove the plastic disc that covers the bone. This is important for even cooking and prevents the plastic from melting in the oven.
3. Tuck the fresh rosemary sprigs randomly through the slices of ham, placing them about every 3 to 4 slices. This infuses the ham with a subtle herbal aroma that complements the sweetness of the meat.
4. Place the ham inside the oven roasting bag. Secure the ends of the bag tightly with the enclosed plastic tie, ensuring there’s enough room for the ham to expand slightly during cooking.
5. Transfer the bag containing the ham to a 13 x 9 inch baking dish. This will catch any drippings and prevent a mess in your oven.
6. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut three 1/2-inch slits on the top of the bag, following the instructions provided with the cooking bag. These slits allow steam to escape, preventing the bag from bursting.
7. Ensure the bag does not touch any part of the oven, as this can cause it to melt. Adjust the position of the baking dish as needed.
8. Cook the ham for 2 1/2 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham registers 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the ham is heated through and safe to eat.
9. Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit inside the bag for 15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more tender and flavorful product.
10. Carefully remove the ham from the bag and place it on a cutting board. Transfer the slices to a warm platter for serving.
11. Serve the spiral ham with the homemade Cumberland Sauce.

Making the Cumberland Sauce:

1. To prepare the Cumberland Sauce, melt the margarine or butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced onion to the saucepan and sauté until it becomes tender and translucent. This will take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the red currant jelly, grated orange rind, orange juice, grated lemon rind, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard into the saucepan.
4. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the jelly melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
5. Slowly pour in the port wine and simmer the sauce uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Serve the Cumberland Sauce warm alongside the spiral ham. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of sauce.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Enhance the Rosemary Flavor: For a more intense rosemary flavor, gently bruise the rosemary sprigs before tucking them into the ham. This releases more of their essential oils.
• Customize the Cumberland Sauce: Adjust the sweetness and tartness of the Cumberland sauce to your liking. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for added depth of flavor.
• Prevent Drying: To prevent the ham from drying out during cooking, add a cup of apple juice or chicken broth to the bottom of the roasting bag.
• Glaze the Ham: For an extra glossy finish, brush the ham with a simple glaze made from maple syrup and Dijon mustard during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Internal Temperature: A properly cooked spiral ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F. Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the sliced spiral ham warm, accompanied by the Cumberland sauce. The ham makes a fantastic centerpiece for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions. It pairs well with side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls.

Storage: Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The Cumberland sauce can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating: To reheat the ham, preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the ham slices in a baking dish with a small amount of broth or water to prevent drying. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. The Cumberland sauce can be reheated gently in a saucepan over low heat.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	664.2 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	256 g	39%
Total Fat	28.5 g	43%
Saturated Fat	9.5 g	47%
Cholesterol	181.2 mg	60%
Sodium	4186.8 mg	174%
Total Carbohydrate	41.1 g	13%
Dietary Fiber	4.7 g	18%
Sugars	20.2 g	80%
Protein	53 g	106%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Ensure that the Dijon mustard and red currant jelly used are gluten-free.
• Lower Sodium: Opt for a lower-sodium spiral ham and reduce the amount of Dijon mustard in the Cumberland sauce.
• Spicy Cumberland Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Cumberland sauce for a spicy kick.
• Fruitier Cumberland Sauce: Incorporate other fruits like cranberries or cherries into the Cumberland sauce for added flavor and texture. Adjust the liquid content accordingly.
• Wine Substitution: If you don’t have port wine, you can substitute with a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the Cumberland sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the Cumberland sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together even more.

Q: How do I prevent the ham from drying out?
A: Cooking the ham in an oven roasting bag helps to retain moisture. Also, avoid overcooking the ham and consider adding a cup of liquid to the bag during cooking.

Q: Can I use a smaller or larger ham?
A: Yes, you can adjust the cooking time based on the weight of the ham. A general rule of thumb is to cook the ham for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.

Q: What can I do with leftover ham?
A: Leftover ham can be used in a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches, salads, omelets, soups, and casseroles. It’s also great diced and added to mac and cheese or frittatas.

Q: Can I freeze leftover ham?
A: Yes, leftover ham can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw the ham in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts

This spiral ham with Cumberland sauce is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create lasting memories with your loved ones. The combination of the savory ham and the sweet and tangy Cumberland sauce is a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredients list – this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, and the results are truly impressive. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate spiral ham! I’d love to hear about your experience making this recipe. Feel free to share your feedback and any variations you tried. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a rich Pinot Noir. Happy cooking!