Recipe: Ham and Redeye Gravy (another recipe)

Ham and Redeye Gravy

4 tb Drippings from 4 half-inch Baked ham steaks
1/4 c Firmly packed *light* brown Sugar
1/2 c *strong* fresh-brewed black Coffee

Remove the ham steaks from their fry-drippings and measure out 4 tbsp. of the fat. Dispose of the rest. Stir the sugar into the pan at LOW heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves. Add the coffee, and simmer until the gravy turns a rich brown (maybe 5 minutes or so). DO NOT ALLOW THE GRAVY TO BOIL! Pour the gravy over the ham and serve.

(NOTE): If you're using uncooked slices of a salty, dry-cured ham, add a cup of water to the skillet along with the ham. The ham will absorb all the water by the time it's cooked through. Add more water if the original amount is absorbed too quickly.

If you're using salt pork, or pork belly fat (like bacon, but unsmoked), be sure to blanch it before using. To blanch, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, simmer 3 minutes, then drain. Fry a little chunk, and if it's still too salty, blanch it again.