Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan, flat side down. If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score the surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate the meat.
In a medium saucepan, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
Pour half of the glaze over the ham, making sure it seeps into the scored cuts. Reserve the remaining glaze for later. Place whole cloves into the intersections of the scored diamonds for added flavor and presentation.
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the reserved glaze every 30 minutes. Remove the foil during the final 30 minutes of baking to allow the ham to caramelize and develop a beautiful glaze.
Once the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your choice of side dishes.
For the best results when cooking your maple-glazed ham, make sure not to rush the basting process; frequent basting helps to keep the ham moist and enhances the flavor. Additionally, using a meat thermometer will guarantee your ham is cooked perfectly without drying it out.
Finally, feel free to experiment with spices in the glaze to suit your taste preferences, making this dish uniquely yours!