New to market are balsamic glazes - a mix of balsamic vinegar and sugar - which are handy to use as an easy glaze. And, naturally, a glazed ham is always improved with a touch of alcohol. If you don't have grappa, use vodka or port.

Ingredients

• 1 whole leg of ham
• 1 orange
• about 2 tblsp whole cloves
• ¼ cup balsamic glaze
• ¼ cup grappa

Method

1. Using a small sharp knife, carefully remove the skin from the edge of the ham, then run your fingers smoothly between the skin and fat layer to lift the skin away.
2. Cut a diamond pattern in the fat layer of the ham. Slice the orange finely then cut the slices in half again. Arrange around the knuckle end of the ham and decorate the orange and the fat layer with the cloves.
3. Place the ham on a baking paper-lined tray. Combine the balsamic glaze and grappa in a small bowl and brush half liberally over the ham. Bake at 180ºC for 30-35 minutes, brushing with remaining glaze twice during cooking.

Cooks Tips

Make sure you place the ham on a large piece of baking paper to ensure that the tray is easy to clean, as any dripping glaze will cook to a toffee and be hard to clean off the tray.