An exclusive Kentucky Legend recipe created by Food Network

INGREDIENTS

• Kentucky Legend Half Ham, 8 lbs.
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves, optional
• Two 20-ounce cans pineapple slices in juice
• 20 maraschino cherries
• 2 cups honey
• 2 cups firmly-packed light brown sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Let the ham sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Place the ham on a cutting board. Using a sharp paring knife, score the top and sides in a diagonal crosshatch pattern about 1/4 inch deep. Push the cloves into the ham if using, placing them at the intersections of the cuts. Put the ham, scored side-up, on a rack set in a roasting pan.
3. Drain the pineapple rings, reserving the juice. Arrange the sliced pineapple all over the ham, securing with toothpicks. Add a maraschino cherry to the center of each pineapple slice and secure with a toothpick.
4. Pour 1/4 inch water into the bottom of the pan and tent the ham loosely with foil. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the ham registers 130 degrees F, about 1 hour.
5. Meanwhile, combine the honey, brown sugar and reserved pineapple juice in a large saucepan set over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, syrupy and reduced to about 3 cups, 25 to 30 minutes. Set aside.
6. Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F.
7. Uncover the ham and carefully brush a third of the glaze all over. If the water in the roasting pan has evaporated, add more. Bake the ham for 15 minutes more. Brush with another third of the glaze and bake for 15 minutes more. Brush the remaining glaze over the ham and cook until the glaze is shiny and the skin is dark golden brown and crispy, about 15 minutes more. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Recipe Courtesy of Food Network Kitchen