Holiday hosting is a big responsibility. While nothing quite captures the essence of the holiday season like a home filled with family and friends, those doing the hosting have a lot on their plates, and a lot to put on others' plates, once guests arrive.

Busy hosts can free up more time for family and friends by making a concerted effort to get out of the kitchen. Simple cooking can be just as delicious as more complex dishes, and the easier it is to prepare a meal, the more hosts can mingle with their loved ones. The following recipe for "Roast Ham" from Lines+Angles requires minimal preparation but will be sure to please family and friends this holiday season.

Roast Ham

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Total time: 1 hour, 55 minutes

Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients

• 1 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 4 apples, cored and quartered
• 1 8-pound cooked ham, trimmed
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. Warm the honey with the mustard in a heavy-based saucepan, stirring, until smooth and starting to bubble at the edges of the pan. Set off the heat.
3. Arrange the apple quarters in a large roasting pan and place the ham on top. Score a diamond pattern on the outside fat; brush with some of the honey-mustard glaze, seasoning with salt and pepper at the same time.
4. Bake the ham until the thickest part of it registers at least 160 F, about 1 hour 20 minutes; brush with more of the glaze from time to time.
5. Once the ham has reached 160 F, increase the oven temperature to 450 F and cook for a further 5 to 10 minutes until the top is golden brown and starting to caramelize.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool before slicing and serving. Can also be chilled and served cold.