Russian Style Baked Fresh Ham (buzhenina)

Total Time: 3 hrs 35 mins Preparation Time: 35 mins Cook Time: 3 hrs

Ingredients

• Servings: 9-10
• 1 (8 -10 lb) fresh ham
• 1/3 cup dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• salt, to taste
• 1 cup beer
• 1 cup apple cider
• 3 cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Recipe

• preheat the oven to 325 degrees f.
• using a sharp knife, score the skin of the ham in a diamond oattern.
• mix together the mustard, brown sugar, and salt and spread all over the ham.
• place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, add the remaining ingredients, and roast, basting with the juices, until a meat thermometer reads 170 degrees f or the juices run clear when you insert a skewer into the thickest part of the roast, about 3 hours.
• let the roast stand, covered with foil. for 15 minutes.
• carve into thin slices and serve with gravy, if desired.