Sometimes it’s best to get back to the basics.

I’ve tried many new recipes over recent years for baking ham. Years ago (many years ago, that is) it seemed I simply tossed the ham in the oven—and voila! A perfect ham. Done. Easy. But recently, I wanted something even better.

With a little age comes over-analysis of, well, most everything. Needless to say, my analysis created some paralysis in completing tasks—and the search for a better ham recipe ended in abrupt disappointment. So, back to the basics I went—and my most recent ham turned out beautifully, if I do say so myself.

Easy-peasy, here are simple directions to give YOU, too, the perfectly simple and delicious holiday ham:

1. If ham is frozen, thaw in the refrigerator 2-3 days.

2. Heat oven to 325 degrees F.

3. Remove all packaging materials (very important…ha!) and place ham, cut-side down on a rack in a shallow cookie sheet or roasting pan; cover loosely with aluminum foil.

4. Heat approximately 15-20 min. per pound until heated through.

5. Remove from oven and let stand, covered, for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Glazing:

Remove the ham from oven. Raise temperature to 400 degrees. Uncover ham, then brush or spoon your glaze over the ham. Return to oven, uncovered for about 10 minutes.

Carving + Keepin’ it Warm:

Remove ham from the oven about an hour before serving. Slice the ham, place on a heat-resistant serving dish, cover and return to the oven, set at 200 degrees to keep warm.

For carving, my best advice (unless you are already a pro at this job!) is to watch some YouTube demonstrations for visual help in carving your ham in the most efficient way. After a few attempts, you’ll be a pro—but regardless of your carving abilities, what matters most—the taste—will still be delicious.

Bon appétit and Happy Holidays from Mama Mary!