The slower cooking ability of a slow cooker is perfect for cooking a raw ham. It will be best if you cook to temperature as this will prevent the ham from overcooking. You will need a large 6-litre-plus slow cooker for a 3-3.5 kilogram raw ham on the bone.

Ingredients

• 2-3 apples, washed
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• ½ cup golden syrup
• 1 cup water or apple juice
• 3-3.5 kilogram raw half leg of ham on the bone

Method

1. Turn the slow cooker on to low to pre-warm while gathering and preparing the ingredients.
2. Slice the apples thinly, there is no need to peel or core.
3. Place the apples in the base of the pre-warmed slow cooker. Scatter over the cloves and pour over the golden syrup and water or apple juice.
4. Sit the ham on top. If using a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the meat, ensuring it does not touch the bone, as this will give a false higher reading. Cover with the lid.
5. Cook on low for 10-12 hours or on high for 6-7 hours, or until the thermometer reads 71ºC.
6. Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker to a large plate. Cover with foil and set aside to cool for 1-2 hours before refrigerating.
7. If wishing to glaze, remove the skin and glaze as wished. Bake at 180ºC for 40 minutes or until the fat layer is golden. Decorate as wished.