RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Christmas Roast Ham

Holiday hosting is a big responsibility. While nothing quite captures the essence of the holiday season like a home filled with family and friends, those doing the hosting have a lot on their plates, and a lot to put on others' plates, once guests arrive.

Busy hosts can free up more time for family and friends by making a concerted effort to get out of the kitchen. Simple cooking can be just as delicious as more complex dishes, and the easier it is to prepare a meal, the more hosts can mingle with their loved ones. The following recipe for Roast Ham from Lines+Angles requires minimal preparation but will be sure to please family and friends this holiday season.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup honey

2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard

4 apples, cored and quartered

1 8-pound cooked ham, trimmed

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.

2. Warm honey with the mustard in a heavy-based saucepan, stirring, until smooth and starting to bubble at the edges of the pan. Set off the heat.

3. Arrange the apple quarters in a large roasting pan and place the ham on top. Score a diamond pattern on the outside fat; brush with some of the honey-mustard glaze, seasoning with salt and pepper at the same time.

4. Bake the ham until the thickest part of it registers at least 160 F, about 1 hour 20 minutes; brush with more of the glaze from time to time.

5. Once the ham has reached 160 F, increase the oven temperature to 450 F and cook for a further 5 to 10 minutes until the top is golden brown and starting to caramelize.

6. Remove from the oven and let cool before slicing and serving. Can also be chilled and served cold.

Preparation time: 10 minutes; cooking time: 1 hour, 45 minutes' total time: 1 hour, 55 minutes.