Creating your Baked Ham with Maple Glaze can be a straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering result:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the Ham: Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart. This will allow the glaze to penetrate the meat.
3. Stud with Cloves (Optional): If you like, stud the intersections of the diamond cuts with whole cloves for added flavor and visual appeal.
4. Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is smooth.
5. Glaze the Ham: Place theham in a roasting pan, bone side down. Brush about half of the glaze over the top and sides of the ham.
6. Baking Time: Cover the ham loosely with foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
7. Baste and Glaze Again: Remove the foil, brush the ham with the remaining glaze, and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, basting with the pan juices every 10 minutes until caramelized and heated through.
8. Check Temperature: The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140°F (60°C).
9. Rest: Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute through the meat.
10. Slice and Serve: Slice the ham into thick or thin pieces as preferred, serving with the remaining glaze drizzled on top.

Following these steps will guide you in creating a perfectly baked ham that everyone will love!