Directions: |
Directions:Remove ham from packaging and discard any flavoring packet. If using a bone-in ham, check end of bone for a plastic cap and, if present, discard.
Pour pineapple juice in bottom of a large oval slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, Dijon, balsamic vinegar, and honey into a paste. Spread brown sugar mixture all over ham and place, flat side down, in slow cooker.
Cover slow cooker with lid and set to low. Cook ham for 4 to 6 hours or until meat is tender and internal temperature reaches 140°F. If desired, flip and baste ham halfway through cooking time and again about an hour before ham is done.
Once ham is done, remove to a platter and tent with foil to keep warm. Skim fat and strain juices from crock pot into a pot and place on the stove over medium heat to make gravy.
In a small bowl, use a fork to stir 2 tablespoons cornstarch into 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry. Slowly pour slurry into pot while whisking ham juices. Allow mixture to bubble and thicken for a minute or two, occasionally stirring. If you desire a thicker sauce, you may stir in a bit more cornstarch slurry. Do not add straight cornstarch to the hot liquid or it will clump, and do not over stir the sauce once the cornstarch has been added or it may not thicken appropriately.
Serve ham warm with sauce on the side or drizzled on top
Tips, Tricks, & Variations:
*You may use a bone-in ham (recommended) or boneless, whole or spiral cut, cured or uncured, smoked or not, shank, butt, or shoulder. *To determine number of servings, estimate approximately 1/2 pound of boneless ham per person and 3/4 pound of bone-in ham per person. *A ham that's less than 7 or 8 pounds will probably reach 140° sooner than 4 to 6 hours. The ham is already cooked, so all you are doing is heating it through to a safe temperature and allowing it to absorb the flavors of the glaze. For example, a small 3-pound ham will probably be done in 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Overcooking will lead to a tough, dry ham, even in the crock pot! You may also want to halve the other recipe ingredients if cooking a ham that's smaller than 4 pounds. *Try to ensure that your ham is going to fit in your crock pot before buying it. However, if your ham is particularly large or of a shape that will not allow the lid of the slow cooker to properly close, trim off a chunk of ham to make it fit. As a last resort, you may cover the slow cooker with a tightly-sealed, triple layer of heavy duty foil instead. Beware of hot steam when you remove the foil! |
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