Festive Ham

Cola ham with maple & mustard

Ingredients :

2kg unsmoked boneless gammon joint

2l cola (not diet)

1 carrot,chopped

1 onion, peeled and quartered

1 stick celery, chopped

1 cinnamon sticks

½ tbsp peppercorns

1 bay leaf

150ml maple syrup

2 tbsp wholegrain mustard

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

Good pinch of ground cloves or five-spice

Method :

Place the unsmoked gammon joint in a large pan and cover with 2l cola. The add chopped carrot, 1 quartered onion, chopped celery stick, cinnamon stick, ½ tbsp peppercorns and 1 bay leaf.


The bring that to the boil, then turn down to simmer for around 2 ½ hrs, topping up with boiling water if necessary to keep the gammon fully covered.

Once it been in the oven carefully pour the liquid away, then let the ham rest a little while you let it rest pre-heat the oven to 190C


Then pit the ham into a roasting tin, then cut away the skin but leave a layer of fat on. Score the fat all over with a sharp knife (in a criss-cross pattern)

Then mix the maple syrup, add 2 tbsp of wholegrain mustard, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar and a pinch of ground cloves or five-spice in a jug. Pour half over the fat, roast for 10/15 mins, then pour over the rest and return to the oven for another 30 mins, baste half way through.


The take out of the oven and let it rest for 10 mins, then spoon more glaze over the top.

The you need ready to serve an alternative to the classic Turkey or just a great festive addition

Merry Christmas

Hohoho