Variations and Tips
For a slightly different sweetness, swap out the cola or ginger ale for orange soda or apple soda; all of these will help dissolve the farina sugar and create a syrupy glaze. If you prefer a deeper molasses tone, use dark brown sugar instead of light. For a milder flavor, choose a ham with a ham end; for more marbling and a bit more fullness, choose a ham with a ham end. If your ham is in the smaller range (2.5–3 kg), reduce the amount of brown sugar to about 3.5 dl and the cola to 0.6 dl, and start checking for doneness earlier. For an extra caramelized finish, you can broil the ham for the last 2-3 minutes—just watch carefully so the sugar doesn't burn. Leftover ham can be refrigerated, wrapped tightly, and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days; use in beans, omelets, or sandwiches. If you want to make this ahead of time for a holiday party, bake and glaze the ham as directed, let cool slightly, slice, then gently reheat the slices in a covered dish with a splash of water or reserved pan juices to keep everything juicy and shiny.
Southern 3-ingredient Brown Sugar Ham
