Ingredients
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One 18-pound, bone-in whole or spiral-cut smoked ham, at room temperature
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1 cup sugar
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1 tablespoon fennel seeds
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1 tablespoon coriander seeds
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4 star anise pods
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4 bay leaves
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2 cinnamon sticks
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2 garlic cloves
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One 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
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1 dried red chile
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1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
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2 cups bourbon
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2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
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2 tablespoons honey
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 325°. Place the ham in a large roasting pan and add 1 cup of water. Cover the pan with foil and bake the ham for about 2 hours and 45 minutes, basting occasionally with any accumulated juices, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 120°.
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Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine the sugar with 2 tablespoons of water and cook over moderately high heat, swirling the pan occasionally, until a lightly golden caramel forms, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and quickly add the fennel seeds, coriander seeds, star anise, bay leaves, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, chile and orange zest; let sit for about 20 seconds, until fragrant. Carefully add the bourbon, soy sauce and honey. Return the glaze to a simmer and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
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Remove the foil and brush the ham with the glaze. Roast for 30 minutes longer, glazing every 10 minutes, until the top is lightly caramelized. Transfer the ham to a platter and let rest for 15 minutes. Skim the fat from the pan juices and transfer them to a bowl. Serve the ham with the pan juices.
Make Ahead
The glaze can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Rewarm before using.