Country Ham with Redeye Gravy

Now this is comfort food!  We had excellent country ham from my brother-in-law Don’s homestead-raised hog…good corn-fed Iowa pork.  Southern Living is the authority on all foods Southern…and they didn’t disappoint with this recipe from “Southern Living Comfort Food.” 

I would caution that the gravy cooked more quickly than the recipe says, you want to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn when it caramelizes.  My husband likes this with regular-strength coffee instead of strong coffee so it’s not quite as much of a pick-me-up - I enjoy it either way.

                      Country Ham with Redeye Gravy

  2       cups  hot strong brewed coffee

   1/4   cup  brown sugar -- firmly packed

  2       twelve  ounce boneless country ham slices

Stir together hot coffee and sugar; let mixture cool.

Cook ham in large cast-iron skillet over medium heat 5-7 minutes on each side until browned.  Remove ham and keep warm, reserving drippings in skillet.

Add coffee mixture to skillet, stirring to loosen particles from bottom; bring to a boil.

Boil, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half (about 15 minutes) watch closely.  Serve with the ham.

6 Servings