Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (James 1:17)

Cola-Baked Ham

1 whole, fully cooked smoked ham, 19-21 lbs.

Whole cloves

1 liter bottle of Coca Cola

2/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1 T. dry mustard

1 T. white vinegar


Preheat oven to 325ºF.  With knife, remove most of ham rind, leaving about 3” rind around bone.  Diagonally score fat; stud with cloves.  Place ham on rack in roasting pan.  Insert meat thermometer into thickest part not touching bone.  Pour soda over ham.  Bake 5-6 hours until internal temperature reaches 130ºF.  (If browning too quickly, tent with foil.)  About 30 minutes before ham is done, in small bowl, combine remaining ingredients.  Spread on ham; bake.  Place on platter; keep warm.  Pour drippings into large measuring cup; skim fat.  Serve drippings with ham.