Finnish Christmas Ham Sauce
This Finnish Christmas ham sauce is made from the flavorful pan juices of oven-baked ham, combined with applesauce, cream, and Dijon mustard. Gently simmered until silky and balanced, it’s a classic accompaniment to joulukinkku and brings a rich, slightly sweet finish to the holiday table.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups (3 dl) ham pan juices, fat removed
- ¾ cup (2 dl) applesauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- ½ cup (1 dl) heavy cream
- 1-2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp Calvados or brandy or cognac or apple cider winegar
- 2 tsp honey
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- After roasting the ham, pour the pan juices into a bowl and refrigerate until cold. Remove and discard the solid fat layer.
- Transfer 1¼ of the defatted ham juices to a saucepan. Add the honey, applesauce, and Calvados.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes to let the flavors come together.
- Stir in the cream and season with freshly ground black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly whisk into the sauce.
- Simmer gently until the sauce thickens.
- Add the Dijon mustard and taste. Add salt only if needed.
- Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in 1 tbsp of butter until smooth and glossy.
- Serve warm with Finnish Christmas ham.