Glazed Easter Ham

Step 1Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Step 2Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/8-inch deep. Place cloves in the middle of each diamond. Place the ham in a large roasting pan with a rack, tent it with foil, and bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours for a ham portion—or longer, for a whole ham. (Some hams may require 3 to 3 1/2 hours at a lower temperature; just check the package.)

Step 3In a small saucepan, heat the brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and soda until bubbly. Cook until reduced and a bit thicker, about 15 minutes.

Step 4After 1 1/2 to 2 hours of baking time (depending on the size of the ham), remove the foil and brush the glaze on the ham in 20 minutes intervals (put the ham back in the oven, uncovered, in between) until it's nice and glossy. You want to glaze 3 to 4 times. Remove from the oven and allow to rest 15 to 20 minutes before carving.