Nothing quite captures the essence of spring and the reason for the season like a succulent, double-smoked and blueberry-bourbon glazed Easter Ham. I’m so darn excited about this recipe, knowing you’re going to transform this year’s holiday feast into a total culinary masterpiece.

Imagine a tender, juicy ham, kissed twice by the divine smoke of hickory wood, before being slathered in a heavenly blueberry-bourbon glaze. This luscious concoction, bursting with the sweetness of ripe blueberries and the rich warmth of bourbon, will elevate your ham to new, delectable heights.

The secret to mastering the double-smoked technique lies in the low and slow approach. First, the ham is smoked over a gentle flame to infuse it with a subtle smokiness. The second round of smoking intensifies the flavors, forming a crispy, caramelized crust that seals in the ham’s natural juices.

As you slice into this tender, double-smoked masterpiece, your senses will be enveloped by the mouthwatering aroma, transporting you to the great outdoors where nature’s finest offerings abound. This Easter, create memories that will last a lifetime by indulging in the unparalleled taste of double-smoked ham adorned with an exquisite blueberry-bourbon glaze. Your taste buds, and your loved ones, will thank you.

KEY INGREDIENTS USED IN THIS RECIPE:

• Country Ham: A true testament to rustic traditions, this salt-cured, savory delight brings an authentic, homegrown flavor to our double-smoked masterpiece, elevating it to gourmet status.
• Dijon Mustard: This zesty binder, with its sharp tang and unmistakable kick, fearlessly tames the wild flavors of our smoky rub, uniting them in a harmonious dance on your taste buds.
• Smoky Barbecue Rub: A robust blend of earthy spices, this rub pays homage to the great outdoors, infusing our ham with the untamed spirit of live-fire cooking and adventure.
• Wild Blueberry Jam: Bursting with the essence of late spring, this sweet gem of the woods adds a delightful touch of berry bliss, lending our glaze a mischievous wink of fruity mischief.
• Smoked Maple Syrup: Hailing from nature’s sweetest embrace, this smoky ambrosia weaves a tapestry of flavors, evoking memories of crisp autumn mornings spent among rustling leaves and crackling fires.
• Bourbon: The bold, barrel-aged renegade of the spirits world, bourbon brings a touch of liquid courage to our glaze, expertly mingling with its fellow ingredients to create a truly intoxicating experience.

WHAT SIDE DISHES COULD BE SERVED ALONGSIDE DOUBLE-SMOKED AND BLUEBERRY-BOURBON GLAZED EASTER HAM:

• Wild Ramp Potato Gratin: Venture off the beaten path with this creamy, earthy twist on a classic, marrying foraged ramps and tender potatoes in a symphony of flavor that complements our double-smoked ham.
• Ember-Roasted Asparagus: Let the tender spears of asparagus bask in the smoldering embrace of live fire, imparting a subtle char that harmonizes with our blueberry-bourbon glazed ham’s smoky notes.
• Honey-Balsamic Glazed Carrots: Unearth the sweet potential of these root-dwelling gems, as they dance in a vibrant duet of honey and balsamic, providing a harmonious balance to the rich, smoky flavors of our Easter centerpiece.
• Wild Rice and Foraged Mushroom Pilaf: A bountiful medley of earth’s treasures, combining nutty, chewy grains with aromatic woodland fungi, echoing our outdoorsy culinary escapades.
• Grilled Pineapple and Jalapeño Cornbread: A sweet and spicy symphony, uniting tropical sunshine with a bold, peppery twist, harmonizing flawlessly with our double-smoked, blueberry-bourbon glazed centerpiece.
• Black and Blueberry Spring Greens Salad: Simple, fresh and light. This salad combines fresh berries, toasted pecans, spring greens, and all finished with a tangy lemon-honey vinaigrette.

TOP 5 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DOUBLE-SMOKED AND BLUEBERRY-BOURBON GLAZED EASTER HAM:

1. How do I achieve that perfect, drool-worthy crust on my double-smoked Easter ham? Fear not, fellow fire-wielders! Low and slow smoking, combined with our irresistible blueberry-bourbon glaze, will create a caramelized, crispy wonderland.
2. Which wood should I use to maximize smoky goodness? Hickory is your trusted companion on this smoky odyssey, imparting a robust, savory essence to your double-smoked masterpiece.
3. How can I ensure my ham stays juicy throughout the smoking process? Patience, young padawan! Maintaining a consistent temperature and respecting the power of low and slow cooking will reward you with a mouthwatering, tender ham.
4. How do I choose the ideal ham for my double-smoked culinary endeavors? Seek out a high-quality country ham, a noble partner in your quest for the ultimate Easter centerpiece.
5. Can I make the blueberry-bourbon glaze ahead of time? Absolutely! Preparing this enchanting elixir in advance allows you to unleash its full potential and focus on the smoking process, forging a harmonious union of flavors.

WHAT ARE THE BEST BEVERAGE PAIRINGS FOR DOUBLE-SMOKED AND BLUEBERRY-BOURBON GLAZED EASTER HAM:

Craft Beers:

1. “Smoldering Embers Amber Ale” by Hearthside Brewery: A robust, malty brew that echoes the smoky essence of your double-smoked ham.
2. “Trailblazer Hefeweizen” from Wanderlust Brewing Co.: A refreshing, fruity beer that playfully balances the ham’s rich flavors with its crisp, citrus notes.
3. “Campfire Chronicles Stout” by Pinecone Brewing: A bold, dark brew with hints of coffee and chocolate, complementing the ham’s smoky intensity.

Cocktails:

1. “The Forest Forager” from Wildwood Distillery: A refreshing gin-based concoction infused with elderflower and foraged herbs, harmonizing with the ham’s outdoorsy spirit.
2. “Smoky Mountain Old Fashioned” by Summit Spirits: A twist on a classic, combining smoked bitters and maple syrup to elevate the ham’s savory notes.
3. “Berry Blaze Bramble” from Blaze & Barrel Distillery: A fruity, bourbon-laced libation that accentuates the blueberry-bourbon glaze’s sweet and smoky allure.

Wines:

1. “Fireside Pinot Noir” by Ember Valley Vineyards: A velvety, medium-bodied red with earthy undertones, complementing the ham’s smoky character.
2. “Sunset Syrah” from Vineyard Horizons: A rich, bold red that stands up to the ham’s complex flavors with grace and poise.
3. “Woodland Wanderer Riesling” by Treetop Winery: A slightly off-dry, aromatic white that playfully contrasts the ham’s smokiness with its bright fruit and floral notes.

SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW LIVE FIRE REPUBLIC ACROSS SOCIAL, WEB AND OUR ADVENTURE CULINARY SERIES ON YOUTUBE!

If you’ve ever found yourself yearning for the symphony of crackling embers, the irresistible aroma of smoke-kissed dishes, and a taste of nature’s bounty, look no further than LiveFireRepublic.com. Ignite your passion for the wild, unleash your inner flame, and join the Live Fire Republic community. You’ll be rewarded with a smorgasbord of delectable delights, priceless memories, and laughter that echoes through the great outdoors. Subscribe, follow, and stay connected – Cheers, my friends, David!