A few years ago, I wrote a post about baking a Kentucky Legend Ham, and it is one of the most visited posts on this site so I thought I would update it a bit and share it with you again in case you’re looking for a delicious recipe for the holidays.

As I said then, I have never been the biggest fan of ham…unless, of course, my mother makes it.  She can turn a ham into a work of art and a delicious one at that.  The thing is:  as beautiful as the end product is, the process is really quite simple.

And only 5 ingredients are required!

Obviously, first you need a ham.  You can choose to use boneless or bone-in.  It doesn’t matter.  You will also need brown sugar, pineapple rings in juice, maraschino cherries and whole cloves.

To begin, score the ham with lines that criss cross then place a clove at each intersection.  Drain the pineapple and reserve the liquid.  Using toothpicks place pineapple rings over the surface of the ham and then put one cherry in the center of each ring.

Combine 1/4 cup of brown sugar with the reserved pineapple juice and brush onto the surface of the ham.  Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven according to the directions on the packaging of your ham, basting with the juices a few times while it bakes.

If you are afraid the ham is getting too brown, simply cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Leftovers are delicious for simple sandwiches on toasted white bread with mayo or as part of a pot full of potato soup.