Gammon with treacle bacon crust

It may seem excessive to top a ham with bacon, but Christmas is a time for generosity.

By Nigel Slater
From Nigel Slater's 12 Tastes of Christmas

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp treacle
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
  • 9 rashers smoked streaky bacon
  • 1kg/2lb 4oz gammonjoint
  • 750ml/1½fl oz apple juice
  • 1 onion, whole, peeled
  • 3 cloves
  • 2 whole star anise
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 6 peppercorns
  • ½ large pumpkin
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 50g/2oz butter