Ham with Pineapple

Thanksgiving and Christmas both require ham in this family! I discovered this recipe on allrecipes.com, and it has served us all well. People talk about it until they have it again. It is very easy to make, and even more fun to eat! Although I have not (yet) posted a picture, it is very photogenic!
I love to serve this with Potato Roesti (see previous post for the amazing recipe) and Mac and Cheese (see next post). Enjoy!

1 (12 pound) bone-in ham

½ cup whole cloves

½ cup packed brown sugar

1 (20 ounce) can pineapple rings in heavy syrup

1 (4 ounce) jar chopped maraschino cherries

1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C).
2. Place ham in roasting pan. Score the rind of the ham with a diamond pattern. Press a clove into the center of each diamond. Drain the juice from the pineapple rings into a medium bowl, and stir in the brown sugar and lemon-lime soda. Coat the ham with this mixture. Arrange the pineapple rings over the outside of the ham. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring, and secure with a toothpick.
3. Bake uncovered 4 to 5 hours, basting frequently with the juices, until the internal temperature of the ham is 160 degrees F (72 degrees C). Be sure the meat thermometer is not touching the bone. Remove toothpicks before serving.