Aretha Franklin's Queen of Soul Ham

Aretha Franklin's Queen of Soul Ham

1 (12 to 14 pound) fully cooked, bone-in ham
cloves
1 (16 ounce) box light brown sugar
3 tablespoons French's mustard
1 (8 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained
1 (12 ounce) ginger ale (preferably Vernor's)
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple rings
baker's coconut for garnish, optional

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Using a paring knife, score the ham, creating a diamond pattern. Insert cloves into the corners of each diamond. Place the ham on a rack set in a 12 x 15-inch roasting pan. Cover loosely with foil and bake until ham appears juicy, about 30 minutes.

Place brown sugar and mustard in a medium bowl. Stir to combine. Gradually add ginger ale to brown sugar mixture until a pourable consistency is achieved; you may not need the whole can. Remove ham from oven and remove foil. Pour brown sugar mixture over ham, and, using a pastry brush, coat the sides. Cover ham with foil, return to oven, and cook for 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes. Remove foil for last 20 minutes. Serves 12.