Why Belizeans Love Christmas Ham (And A Recipe To Try!)

by McNab Editorial Team

They don’t call it “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” for nothing! 

The Christmas season always brightens people’s mood and lifts their spirits. From decorating the tree to opening presents, drinking hot chocolate milk with little marshmallows, binge-watching Christmas movies, eating A LOT – especially – this time of the year is magical.  

Most folks look forward to the big feast as they know that Christmas food doesn’t mean boring! From recipes that you grew up eating, to more modern sides, to classic desserts, and of course the meaty main dishes, a Christmas meal will make your stomach and your heart happy. 

What can be more comforting during the holidays than a Christmas dinner shared with family and close friends? There really is nothing that tastes better than a home-cooked meal for Christmas, and the hungry mouths at your table will agree.

Christmas Ham, Belizean style

A Christmas ham is one of those old-school Christmas traditions that has stayed around for a reason. Anyone who has had it knows how great the baked dish tastes. It’s the true hallmark of the holiday season. It is a holiday favorite that’s great for slicing and serving to a crowd. No matter how you decide to prepare it, or what you decide to add to it, family and friends will love the combination of the sweet and salty taste of your ham. When you take your first bite of the juicy, tender, mouthwatering meat, your taste buds will go HAM over it! 

Hosting Christmas dinner this year? Take your holiday ham game to the next level with Flavors of Belize’s Christmas Ham recipe. This recipe uses only three ingredients. It’s quite easy to follow, simply delicious, and will look beautiful in the center of the Christmas table! 

We hope you enjoy and have yourself a Merry Christmas!  

Pineapple-glazed Belizean Baked Ham

 

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INGREDIENTS 

  • 6 – 8-pound leg or shoulder ham 
  • 10 ounces Lissette’s Secret Sauce (may substitute with spicy sweet and sour sauce) 
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves 
  • Sliced pineapples

DIRECTIONS 

Preheat oven to 350F.

Place ham in baking pan and cover with foil. Bake for 15 – 20 minutes per pound. Bake for two hours.

 

Using a sharp knife, remove the thick skin and then score ham. Cut long diagonal slashes about 2 inches apart in one direction and then repeat in the other direction, making a diamond-shaped pattern then place whole cloves in between scores. Baste well with Secret Sauce. Return to oven and bake uncovered for the remaining time. 

What can be more comforting during the holidays than a dinner shared with family and friends - especially when Christmas ham is involved?
What to Eat Why Belizeans Love Christmas Ham (And A Recipe To Try!) European Print This
Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

Ingredients

  • 6 – 8-pound leg or shoulder ham 
  • 10 ounces Lissette’s Secret Sauce (may substitute with spicy sweet and sour sauce) 
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves 
  • Sliced pineapples

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. Place ham in baking pan and cover with foil. Bake for 15 – 20 minutes per pound. Bake for two hours.  Remove from oven. Using a sharp knife, remove the thick skin and then score ham. Cut long diagonal slashes about 2 inches apart in one direction and then repeat in the other direction, making a diamond-shaped pattern then place whole cloves in between scores. Baste well with Secret Sauce. Return to oven and bake uncovered for the remaining time. 

Written by: Vivian Lizarraga. This article was first published in December 2019.

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