Easter Ham Recipe

The custom of serving ham at Easter goes back as far as William the Conqueror, who served it along with such things as gammon and tansy pudding. Some believe that ham became traditional because the pig is a symbol of prosperity in many cultures. Schwean haben, a popular German expression, literally means to "have a pig." At one time it was fashionable to wear little figures of pigs on watch chains and charm bracelets. Piggy banks for children may also be an expression of this age-old idea.

Combine syrup, vinegar and mustard. Place ham, fat side up, on rack in shallow roasting pan. Pour about 1/2 cup mixture over ham and bake, uncovered, in a preheated 325 degree oven for 1-1/2 hours. Baste every 30 minutes with additional sauce. Remove ham from oven and score fat into diamond shapes. Insert a clove into each diamond. Bake ham an additional 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of meat registers 140 degrees. Let ham rest 15 minutes before carving.