Baked Ham Cherry-Sherry
Juicy baked ham glazed with a cherry-sherry sauce, infused with citrus and ginger, perfect for festive occasions or special family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain juice from cherries into a saucepan.
- Blend the cherry juice with pulp and juice of oranges and lemon, ginger, brown sugar, and sherry.
- Simmer until the sugar dissolves.
- Place the ham in a baking pan and pour the warm sauce over it.
- Bake, uncovered, in a slow oven at 300°F (150°C) for 25 minutes per pound.
- Baste the ham with the sauce every 15 to 20 minutes during baking.
- About 15 minutes before the ham is done, pour the brandy over it.
- At the end of cooking, pour the pan juices into the saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Add the cherries and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Slice the ham and serve with the sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sauce. If you can't find California dry sherry, a medium-dry white wine can be a suitable substitute. Make sure to use fresh citrus for the best taste; bottled juice won't offer the same brightness. When basting, be generous to keep the ham moist and flavorful throughout cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Baked Ham Cherry-Sherry with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Kay's Broccoli Salad for a refreshing side. Consider offering crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, and a glass of dry sherry as a complement to the dish. This recipe is perfect for festive occasions or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, slice the ham and warm it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil to retain moisture. You can also microwave individual slices on a microwave-safe plate, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Ham Cherry-Sherry contains roughly 66 calories, with 1g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used instead of canned, but you'll need to pit them and may want to adjust the sugar in the sauce since fresh cherries can vary in sweetness. Just make sure to simmer them longer to soften and integrate their flavor into the sauce.
What should I do if I don't have sherry?
You can also use a cooking wine or a fortified wine like Marsala, which will give a slightly different yet pleasing taste.
How can I tell when the ham is fully cooked?
To ensure the ham is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) for pre-cooked ham. Always check in the thickest part of the meat and avoid touching the bone, as this can give a false reading.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).