Red Eye Gravy

By CheeseDiva

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter, plus extra as needed for frying
• 4 thin slices country ham
• 1/2 cup brewed coffee
• 4 eggs
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

For Ham and Gravy:
While your grits are cooking, melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a cast iron skillet and fry your ham until browned over medium heat, about 2 minutes per side. I fry two slices at a time to fit them in the pan.
Once all your ham is fried up, deglaze the pan with the coffee, scraping at the browned bits with a wooden spoon.
Simmer until reduced by a third and then swirl in one and a half tablespoons of butter. Pour off into a bowl and reserve.
Wipe down your pan and fry your eggs in the rest of the butter, and serve the grits topped with ham, gravy, and an egg. And a napkin.