CENTRE STAGE

SPICED TOFFEE APPLE GLAZED HAM

SERVES 14+

3 x 330ml bottles apple cider
1 tsp ground cinnamon Pinch of allspice
5 medium red apples, cores removed, cut into quarters
2¹/2 cups (550g) caster sugar
Pared zest of 1 lemon
7kg whole smoked leg ham, skin on
40g whole cloves, to stud (optional)
Preheat oven to 200°C.

Place the cider, cinnamon and allspice in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Cool slightly and transfer to a blender with the apple.

Whiz, taking care of the heat, until finely chopped and combined. Strain through a fine sieve into a heatproof bowl.

Place sugar and/4 cup (60ml) water in a large heavy-based saucepan over high heat. Cook for 8-10 minutes until a golden caramel starts to form. Remove from the heat and, taking care of the splatter and steam, gradually whisk in the cider and apple mixture. Add the lemon zest, place pan back over high heat and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 25-30 minutes until reduced