Old Fashion Red Eye Gravy

Red eye gravy is well known in the South, but little known in the rest of the United States. Also called bird-eye gravy, poor man’s gravy, red ham gravy, and muddy gravy, it is made from drippings and black coffee, although some debate that using water is better. The history of red eye gravy is rife with culinary lore. Read on for more info.
So it goes: Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), 7th President of the United States, called for his cook to tell him what to prepare for the morning meal. The cook had been drinking “moonshine” the night before and his eyes were rimmed in red. Taking a look at those bloody red eyes, General Jackson instructed the cook to bring him some country ham with gravy as red as his eyes. The conversation was overheard by others and from then on, ham gravy became “Red Eye Gravy.”

Step 1

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Cook Thick cut country ham approximately 10-12 minutes per side on medium heat. turn your slices and continue turning until all the slices are brown. Remove country ham to platter.

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Step 2

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Turn heat up a bit and add to the drippings 1/4 cup of perked coffee per slice of ham and let simmer a couple of minutes.

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Step 3

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Red Eye Gravy at its best! To be served over hot grits, eggs, biscuits, or the ham slices.