Corona, California – If you’re planning your holiday feast and want to impress your guests, look no further than the indulgent and festive centerpiece known as “Millionaire’s Ham.” This dish isn’t just ham; it’s ham with a glow-up—perfect for the season of giving (and eating). This article is featured in our Christmas Guide 2024, so you know it’s legit.
Why Ham? A Holiday Tradition
Ham has been a Christmas staple for centuries, but why? It all started with ancient Germanic and Norse traditions where wild boar was sacrificed during Yuletide to honor Freyr, the god of fertility and prosperity. As Christianity spread, this custom evolved into serving ham at Christmas feasts. By the Middle Ages, practicality played a role—pork was preserved in the fall to last through winter, making ham an ideal choice for festive meals.
Fast forward to modern times, and ham is still a holiday hit. Americans buy over 300 million pounds of it during the season! Whether it’s glazed with sugar or stuffed with greens (looking at you, Southern Maryland), ham brings people together. And in Corona, we’re taking it up a notch with Millionaire’s Ham.
What Makes It “Millionaire”?
Millionaire’s Ham is not your average glazed ham. It’s a luxurious take on the classic dish, featuring layers of flavor that scream “holiday extravagance.” Think honey-bourbon glaze, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a subtle kick. Some recipes even call for edible gold flakes (because why not?).
The magic happens during the cooking process. The ham is slow-roasted to perfection, allowing the glaze to caramelize into a glossy, sweet, and savory coat. The result? It is a tender, juicy masterpiece that tastes as good as it looks.
How to Serve Millionaire’s Ham
Presentation is key when serving Millionaire’s Ham. Here are some tips to make your dish Instagram-worthy:
- Garnish with flair: Surround the ham with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Add pops of color with cranberries or pomegranate seeds.
- Pair it wisely: Serve with sides that complement its richness—think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze or a light citrus salad.
- Leftovers? No problem! Use leftover slices for sandwiches or dice them into a hearty soup.
Where to Get Yours in Corona
If you’re not up for making it from scratch (we get it—holiday stress is real), several local spots in Corona offer pre-made hams or catering services:
- Graze Craze Corona: Known for their charcuterie boards, they also offer holiday meats that are perfect for any gathering.
- Red’s Baked Potatoes & Roasted Corn: While famous for their sides, they’ve been known to whip up special holiday offerings.
- Local Butchers: Check out specialty shops around town for premium cuts and custom glazes.
A Slice of History
Did you know that the idea of glazing hams with sugar became popular in America during the 1930s? Before that, hams were usually glazed with stock and weren’t tied specifically to Christmas. The clove-studded diamond pattern we associate with holiday hams today was also introduced around this time.
And if you’re wondering about spiral-sliced hams (those neat little slices that make serving so easy), thank Harry J. Hoenselaar! He invented the spiral-slicing machine in 1952, revolutionizing how we enjoy this holiday favorite.
Make It Your Own
Feeling inspired? Here’s a quick recipe idea for Millionaire’s Ham:
Ingredients:
- 1 bone-in spiral-sliced ham
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
- Cloves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan lined with foil.
- Combine honey, bourbon, mustard, brown sugar, and chili flakes in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened.
- Brush half the glaze over the ham and cover loosely with foil.
- Bake according to package instructions (usually about 10 minutes per pound).
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and brush on the remaining glaze.
- Optional: Stud the ham with cloves before serving for extra flair.
Serve it up and watch your guests swoon! So there you have it—Millionaire’s Ham is more than just food; it’s an experience. Whether you’re hosting family or attending one of Corona’s many festive events like the Holiday Lighting Celebration or the Corona del Mar Christmas Walk, this dish will make your holiday season unforgettable. Just don’t forget to save some leftovers!
Source: foodnetwork.com
Header Image Source: foodnetwork.com
