3 Secrets For The Most Delicious Christmas Ham

Score the Fat
If you're roasting a ham, you'll notice that there is a thick layer of fat on the top. Before you bake the ham, run a sharp knife along the top layer of fat, a scoring it (with lines approximately 1 inch apart) in a crosshatch pattern. This allows the spices and glaze to flavor the meat.

(Credit: Flickr/Dion Hinchcliffe)

Use Fragrant Spices
Using spices like cinnamon, cloves, or allspice adds tons of flavor to the roast. Rub them directly on the surface of the scored fat for best results.

(Credit: Flickr/Eran Finkle)

Make a Glaze
With just a handful of ingredients, you can make a deliciously sweet glaze to use on your ham. Combine honey, brown sugar, and spicy brown mustard in a small saucepan. When the sugar is melted, thin the glaze to the desired consistency with a liquid like orange juice — we add a little ginger ale, too. Use the glaze to baste the ham periodically.

(Credit: Flickr/Personal Creations)

Want more details? Click here for the full roast ham recipe.

Kristie Collado is The Daily Meal's Cook Editor. Follow her on Twitter @KColladoCook.