My Great-Grandmother'S "Raisin Sauce For Ham"
A sweet and tangy raisin sauce with warm spices, perfect for glazing ham and adding a deliciously fruity flavor to your holiday table.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, mix sugar, salt, and cornstarch together.
- Add water and ground cloves to the saucepan.
- Stir in raisins, vinegar, and butter.
- Heat the mixture, stirring often, until it thickens in a few minutes.
- Serve hot along with your ham dinner.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the sauce. If you need a substitute for cornstarch, you can use flour, but be sure to cook it a bit longer to eliminate the raw taste. This sauce also works well with turkey, making it versatile for various American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This raisin sauce is a delightful complement to ham, enhancing its savory flavor with a sweet and tangy touch. For a complete meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes. It also pairs beautifully with Lemon Herb Butter for a fresh twist on your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover raisin sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Great-Grandmother'S "Raisin Sauce For Ham" contains roughly 243 calories, with 1g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1476mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
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 different types of dried fruit in this recipe?
Absolutely! While raisins are traditional, you can experiment with other dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for a unique flavor. Just chop them into smaller pieces for even cooking and adjust the sugar based on their sweetness.
Is this recipe suitable for anyone with dietary restrictions?
Yes, this sauce is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by using margarine instead of butter. Always check labels for any added ingredients if you have specific allergies or intolerances.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat to your raisin sauce, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. This will give it a nice kick that balances the sweetness of the raisins without overwhelming the dish.
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).