Christmas isn't complete without a beautifully glazed ham taking centre stage on the table. But here's the thing—you don't need to settle for the standard supermarket glaze when you've got access to incredible local producers right here in Orange. We've put together four glazes that'll transform your Christmas ham into something truly special, using ingredients you can find right here on YourMarket.
1. Orange Blossom Honey & Mustard Glaze
This classic combination gets a local twist with honey from Orange producers. The natural sweetness balances perfectly with sharp mustard, creating that glossy, caramelised crust everyone fights over.
What you'll need: Local honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of ground cloves.
Why it works: Local honey brings complex floral notes you just won't find in mass-produced varieties. Because it's harvested locally, it captures the essence of our region's unique flora—giving your ham a flavour that's distinctly Central West. The mustard cuts through the richness of the ham, while the brown sugar caramelises beautifully under the heat.
Pro tip: Score your ham in a diamond pattern before brushing on the glaze. This creates more surface area for those crispy, sweet edges and helps the glaze penetrate deeper into the meat.
2. Cherry & Balsamic Glaze
Sweet cherries meet tangy balsamic in this sophisticated glaze that'll have your guests asking for the recipe. It's rich, glossy, and brings a modern twist to traditional ham.
What you'll need: Fresh cherries from Martelli Orchards (or cherry chutney from Just Homegrown if cherries aren't in season), balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, fresh thyme, and a splash of red wine.
Why it works: Cherries and pork have always been best friends, but adding balsamic vinegar elevates this pairing to something restaurant-worthy. The natural tartness of cherries balances the ham's saltiness, while balsamic adds depth and complexity. If you're using the Balsamic Cherry Chutney from Just Homegrown, you've already got half the work done—just thin it with a little wine and brush it on.
Pro tip: Reserve some of the glaze to serve on the side. It makes an incredible sauce for leftover ham sandwiches or drizzled over your Boxing Day cheese board.
3. Maple, Orange & Star Anise Glaze
This glaze brings warm spice notes that scream Christmas. The citrus keeps things bright while maple syrup adds a deep, almost smoky sweetness.
What you'll need: Pure maple syrup, fresh orange juice and zest, star anise, cinnamon stick, and a touch of butter for richness.
Why it works: The combination of maple and orange creates layers of sweetness—maple's earthy, caramel notes complemented by bright citrus that cuts through the ham's richness. Star anise and cinnamon add that festive warmth we all crave at Christmas. This glaze also works beautifully if you're serving ham for breakfast on Christmas morning.
Pro tip: Simmer your glaze ingredients together for 10 minutes before brushing onto the ham. This gives the spices time to infuse and creates a thicker, more clingy glaze that won't slide off during cooking.
4. Brown Sugar, Ginger & Local Beer Glaze
For something with a bit more kick, this glaze uses local beer to create a savoury-sweet crust with subtle malt flavours and warming ginger.
What you'll need: Dark brown sugar, fresh ginger (grated), local ale or stout like Badlands Darkness Porter or Draughty Kilt Scottish Ale, whole grain mustard, and black pepper.
Why it works: Beer brings maltiness and depth that you can't achieve with wine or juice alone. A darker ale or stout works best, adding rich, almost chocolatey notes that complement the ham's smoky flavour. Fresh ginger adds warmth and a slight bite that keeps the glaze from being too sweet. The result is a more robust, pub-style glaze that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables.
Pro tip: Don't skip the whole grain mustard—those little seeds add texture and pops of flavour throughout the glaze. Apply this one in the last 30 minutes of cooking, basting every 10 minutes to build up those delicious layers.
The Secret to Perfect Glazing
No matter which glaze you choose, here's the technique that makes all the difference: apply your glaze in the final 30-45 minutes of cooking, basting every 10-15 minutes. This builds up beautiful layers without burning the sugars. Your ham should be mostly cooked through before you start glazing—the glaze is about flavour and appearance, not cooking.
And remember, the beauty of shopping local through YourMarket is that you're getting ingredients at peak freshness. Whether it's honey that was harvested weeks ago rather than months, or cherries picked at the perfect moment of ripeness, these details make your Christmas ham something truly special.
This Christmas, skip the jar and make a glaze that showcases the incredible produce available right here in Orange. Your table—and your guests—will thank you.
