Maple and Beer Braised Ham

A fancy, filling family dinner isn’t as hard to make as some might think, and you don’t have to be a seasoned chef to know how to make one, either.

With a slow cooker and 6 simple ingredients, you can have yourself a tasty, tender meal suitable for Easter and Christmas, or for any family get-togethers you plan on having.

One big plus about this recipe is that it can be a starting point for tons of different meals. Eat the ham with a side of potatoes and gravy or cut the ham up and serve it in soups, chowders, meat pies, casseroles, mac and cheese, pizzas -- you name it.

This sweet and savory meal is often a favorite with kids and adults alike. The maple syrup doesn’t overpower the saltiness of the ham but creates a succulence that you won’t be able to get enough of.

And the beer creates an earthy undertone that pulls all the other flavors together.

This may end up being one of the most tender servings of ham you’ll ever have.

Step 1 - Put the ham into your slow cooker.

Step 2 - In a bowl, combine the mustard, maple syrup, cloves, and beer. Baste this mixture over the ham, then pour 2 cups of cold water into the slow cooker. You can also sprinkle in a few turns of ground pepper if desired.

Step 3 - Cook the ham on high for 8-10 hours or until you can pull the ham apart with a fork. Turn the ham over after the first 4 hours.

Step 4 - Now, take the ham out of the slow cooker and save the juices. You can take the juices and turn them into gravy by heating them in a pot and whisking until thickened. Add in a few tablespoons of flour and butter until the gravy has the desired consistency.