English Ham

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. 2
   Rub the ham with a mixture of bay leaves and thyme.
3. 3
   Chop the vegetables and saute them gently in butter with the sugar, a little thyme and a bay leaf until the onions are translucent.
4. 4
   Add 1/2 cup Madeira and let it evaporate almost completely.
5. 5
   Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover with the vegetable mixture, drizzle with melted butter, cover and cook in the preheated 400° F oven for 20-25 minutes per pound.
6. 6
   Remove the ham from the oven and transfer to a serving platter,reserve the vegetables.
7. 7
   Degrease the cooking juices and pour them into a small saucepan; you should have about 1 cup; if not, add some water or stock; add the remaining 1/2 cup Madeira.
8. 8
   Reduce slightly; liquefy with the vegetables in a blender and pour over the ham.