CLASSIC GLAZED HAM

SERVES 8 PREP 15 MINS COOK 1 HOUR

✦ 7kg whole leg ham on bone, rind removed

✦ 50 whole cloves

✦ figs, steamed asparagus, watercress, to serve

GLAZE

✦ ¾ cup brown sugar

✦ ½ cup fig jam

✦ ½ cup apple juice

✦ 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

✦ ¼ tsp cinnamon

1 Preheat oven to 180°C. Cut through rind using a small sharp knife, 10cm from top of shank. Run your thumb underneath skin and above fat layer to separate edges.

2 Starting from widest edge, gently pull back rind to remove.

3 Using a kitchen knife, score a diamond pattern at 2cm intervals, about 5mm deep all over ham fat.

4 Press 1 clove into centre of each diamond. Place ham on rack in a baking dish and add 1 cup water.

5 GLAZE Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Stir over low heat until smooth and then strain into a bowl.

6 Brush quarter glaze over ham. Bake 30 mins, basting twice. Cook a further 15 mins, basting with remaining glaze until caramelised. Rest 10 mins. Lightly brush figs with remaining glaze and bake 10 mins. Slice ham and serve with figs, asparagus and watercress.