Sweet Southern Slow-Cooker Ham

A ham worthy of holiday entertaining doesn't get much easier than this recipe. Use leftover ham to make Ham, Apple & Aged Cheddar Crêpes.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 bone-in fully-cooked ham, about 5 1/2 pounds
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
1/3 cup Kentucky bourbon*
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon-style mustard
4 sprigs fresh thyme

Cooking Directions:

1. Place the ham in a large slow cooker.
2. Whisk the cider with the brown sugar, bourbon, honey and mustard. Slowly pour over the ham. Scatter the thyme sprigs into the slow cooker.
3. Cook, on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours, or until very tender.
4. Remove ham to rest on a cutting board.
5. Pass the remaining cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes or until slightly reduced.
6. Cut the ham into chunks. Brush the cut pieces with the cooking liquid before arranging on a platter. Serve warm or room temperature.

Makes 12 servings.

*For a non-alcoholic alternative: replace the bourbon with 1/4 cup water and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/12 of recipe): Calories: 180 calories; Protein: 31 grams; Fat: 4 grams; Sodium: 990 milligrams; Cholesterol: 80 milligrams; Saturated Fat: 1 grams; Carbohydrates: 3 grams; Fiber: 0 grams.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of National Pork Board.