Brown Sugar Bourbon Glaze for Holiday Ham

This rich and flavorful glaze combines the sweetness of brown sugar and the depth of bourbon with aromatic rosemary and garlic, rounded off with a unique Southern twist of sweet tea. Perfect for enhancing your holiday ham, this glaze will bring a touch of elegance and a lot of flavors to your festive table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 cup beef stock

• 1/2 cup bourbon

• 1/4 cup sweet tea

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, beef stock, and bourbon. Stir over medium heat until the sugar begins to dissolve.

2. Add Flavorings:

   • Stir in the sweet tea, fresh rosemary sprig, and minced garlic to the mixture. Add the salt to enhance the flavors of the glaze.

3. Simmer the Glaze:

   • Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, or until the mixture reduces by about a third and thickens into a syrupy glaze. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

4. Final Touches:

   • Once the glaze has thickened, remove it from the heat. Carefully remove and discard the rosemary sprig. If you prefer a smoother glaze, you can strain the mixture to remove the minced garlic and any bits that might have separated from the rosemary.

5. Apply to Ham:

   • Brush the glaze over your holiday ham during the last 30 minutes of baking. Apply several layers for a richer flavor and a more caramelized crust. Be sure to baste the ham with the glaze multiple times to maximize flavor absorption.

6. Serve:

   • Once your ham is glazed and fully cooked, let it rest before slicing. Serve warm with extra glaze on the side for those who might enjoy an additional splash of flavor.

Sheed’s Tips:

• For a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or more beef stock, though the unique flavor profile of the bourbon will be less pronounced.

• Make sure to cook the glaze at a gentle simmer to avoid evaporating the alcohol too quickly and to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

• If you're serving guests who are sensitive to garlic, you can reduce the garlic by half for a subtler flavor. (Or don’t invite them because garlic is amazing.)

This Brown Sugar Bourbon Glaze is sure to be a hit, bringing a rich, complex flavor profile to your holiday ham that combines traditional ingredients with a delightful Southern flair.