Holiday Ham Sauce
A sweet and tangy holiday ham sauce featuring raisins, orange juice, and currant jelly, perfect for enhancing the flavor of ham, pork chops, or duck during festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium glass bowl, combine raisins, water, currant jelly, and orange juice.
- Heat in microwave on High power for 3 minutes, stirring after 1 1/2 minutes of cooking.
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, cream cornstarch, and allspice.
- Stir the mixture; then blend it into the raisin mixture.
- Cook in microwave on High power for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes until thickened, stirring every 30 seconds.
- Serve over ham, pork chops, or duck.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh orange juice instead of bottled for a more vibrant taste. If you want a thicker consistency, you can add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water. For a twist, try substituting half of the raisins with dried cranberries for a tart contrast. This sauce can also be used in other American recipes, giving them a festive touch.
Serving Suggestions
This holiday ham sauce is perfect served over glazed ham, but it also complements pork chops or duck beautifully. Pair it with sides like Marshmallow Sweet Potato Casserole for a festive meal. For a complete spread, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth consistency. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a splash of water or orange juice to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Ham Sauce contains roughly 221 calories, with 1g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 0g 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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this sauce a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe instructions and refrigerate it once cooled. When ready to serve, reheat gently in the microwave, stirring to ensure it heats evenly.
What can I substitute for currant jelly?
If you don't have currant jelly, you can use grape jelly or apricot preserves as alternatives. Both will provide a similar sweetness and texture, making them suitable substitutes in this recipe.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this holiday ham sauce is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat. It can be enjoyed over roasted vegetables or tofu dishes, making it a versatile addition to vegetarian recipes as well.
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).