Holiday Ham

The whole family will love what the combination of the sweet and savory flavors do to the ham during slow cooking. For this recipe, be sure you’re using a large slow cooker.

Makes 10 to 12 servings.

6- to 8-pound cooked, spiral-sliced ham

8-oz can crushed pineapple

¹/₂ cup honey

¹/₄ cup firmly packed brown sugar

¹/₄ cup Dijon mustard

Non-stick cooking spray

1. Spray the bottom of the slow cooker generously with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Place the ham flat-side down in the slow cooker. Pour the pineapple over the ham.

3. In a bowl, combine the honey, brown sugar, and mustard, and stir to thoroughly combine. Pour the sauce over the ham.

4. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours, finishing with a final 30 to 60 minutes on Low.

The history of the pineapple in America reveals why a pineapple-studded ham became a centerpiece of a holiday meal. Colonialists socialized quite a bit, and the ladies of the houses put together special centerpieces of fruit and vegetables on their dining room tables as a show of their wealth and status. The pineapple was the most special fruit one could include, and it was a must for any kind of special occasion.