When it comes to holiday feasts or cozy family gatherings, there’s nothing quite like a juicy spiral ham. And if you’re looking for a way to make it even more memorable, this Slow-Cooked Spiral Ham with Maple and Apple is the way to go. We’re talking about layers of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors, all coming together in a slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it. The maple syrup and apple juice create a deep, caramelized sweetness that complements the natural smoky flavor of the ham, while the brown sugar and Dijon mustard add that perfect hint of savory warmth.

And if you really want to bring this dish to life, pair it with a pour of Kurvball BBQ Whiskey. The whiskey’s bold, smoky undertones highlight the hickory-smoked ham, and the subtle BBQ flavor complements the maple and apple glaze like a dream. So grab your slow cooker, a glass of Kurvball, and let’s get cooking.

Recipe: Spiral Ham in the Slow Cooker

Ingredients:

• 1 (6- to 7-pound) bone-in, hickory-smoked, uncured fully cooked ham
• 5 medium parsnips, peeled and halved lengthwise
• 5 medium carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 2 cups unsweetened apple juice
• ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
• ½ cup smooth Dijon mustard
• ½ cup grainy Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Kosher salt (if needed)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Slow Cooker:
   Pour 3 cups of water into a 7-quart slow cooker. This will keep the ham moist and allow the flavors to blend beautifully.

2. Add the Ham and Veggies:
   Place the ham in the slow cooker, cut-side up, and arrange the parsnips and carrots around it. These veggies will absorb the flavors from the ham and the glaze, making them the perfect side.

3. Make the Maple-Apple Glaze:
   Pour the maple syrup and apple juice over the ham, then sprinkle the brown sugar on top. This blend of sweet and tangy will slowly caramelize as it cooks, giving the ham a rich, sticky glaze.

4. Start Cooking:
   Set the slow cooker to high and cook uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes. Then cover and switch to low, cooking for 3 to 4 hours. The ham should be tender, and the meat should easily come off the bone when it’s ready.

5. Prepare the Sauce:
   Once the ham is done, transfer it along with the veggies to a deep serving platter. Reserve the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Stir both types of Dijon mustard and the apple cider vinegar into the remaining liquid, creating a savory sauce with a little tang and a lot of depth. Taste for seasoning and add salt if needed.

6. Serve:
   Use kitchen shears or scissors to cut the slices of ham off the bone, letting them fall onto the serving platter. Drizzle the mustard sauce over the ham and vegetables. For an extra festive touch, serve it with a glass of Kurvball BBQ Whiskey on the side.

This Slow-Cooked Spiral Ham with Maple and Apple is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of the sweet, caramelized glaze and the smoky ham is made even better with a glass of Kurvball BBQ Whiskey. The whiskey’s savory-sweet notes bring out the hickory flavor of the ham, while the maple and apple add a seasonal warmth that makes this dish perfect for the holidays. So, raise a glass and enjoy the flavors of the season!