The spice blanket flavors the ham and keeps it moist.

2 cups flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cloves
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cider or water
1 (5 to 6 pound) boneless ham

Make spice dough by combining the flour, sugar, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl. Add enough cider or water to make a stiff dough. Roll until it is 1/4 inch thick and forms a 10 x 12-inch rectangle. Place the ham, fat side up, in a foil-lined open roasting pan. Cover top and sides of the ham with a blanket of dough. Bake at 350 degrees F for 3 hours. Cover with foil tent if crust becomes too brown. Remove ham and slice.

Serve warm or cooled.

The pastry blanket may be too spicy for some and can be removed after baking. Or you may use only 1 teaspoon cloves.