Brown Sugar and Herb Crusted Smoked Pasture-Raised Ham

Ingredients:

• 1 (7-8 pound) smoked, bone-in or boneless pasture-raised ham
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 cup whole cloves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). 
2. Prepare the herb crust: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, Dijon mustard, rosemary, thyme, sage, black pepper, and cloves.
3. Score the ham: Using a sharp knife, make shallow diagonal cuts across the fatty surface of the ham, about 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart. This helps the glaze penetrate and allows for even cooking.
4. Coat the ham: Spread the herb crust mixture evenly over the entire surface of the ham, pressing it gently into the scored areas. You can also insert whole cloves into the center of some of the scored diamonds for an extra visual touch (optional).
5. Bake the ham: Place the ham in a large roasting pan. If your ham is bone-in, you can add a splash of water (about 1/4 cup) to the bottom of the pan to prevent scorching. Tent the ham loosely with foil.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the pan juices every 20-30 minutes for added flavor and moisture.
7. Glaze the ham (optional): In the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). If you prefer a more caramelized crust, brush the ham with additional Dijon mustard or a mixture of brown sugar and honey.
8. Rest and carve: Once the ham reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender result.
9. Slice and serve: Carve the ham into thin slices and serve with your favorite Easter sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and rolls.

Tips:

• You can adjust the herbs in the crust to your preference. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, omelets, salads, or fried rice.