Clove-Studded Nordic Christmas Ham Recipe

Clove-Studded Nordic Christmas Ham (Glaseret Juleskinke)

A centrepiece Scandinavian Christmas dish — sweet, savoury, spiced, and proper midwinter feast material.

Ingredients

• 1 cured ham joint (about 2–3kg, unsmoked is traditional)

• Whole cloves (enough to stud the surface)

• 2 tbsp mustard (Swedish mild or Dijon)

• 2–3 tbsp dark brown sugar or honey

• 1 egg yolk

• Optional: breadcrumbs for the coating

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Place the ham in a pan, cover with water, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 1–1.5 hours depending on size.

3. Remove, cool slightly, and strip off the skin, leaving the fat.

4. Score the fat in diamonds and stud a clove in each intersection.

5. Whisk mustard, sugar/honey and the egg yolk.

6. Brush generously over the ham.

7. Bake for 25–35 minutes, basting once, until glossy and caramelised.

8. Slice thick and serve warm.