Country Ham Gouda Grits W Tomato Gravy Recipes

COUNTRY HAM WITH STONE-GROUND GRITS AND REDEYE GRAVY

Steps:

• In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the grits and return to a boil. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Decrease the heat to low and simmer until creamy and thick, stirring often, 45 to 60 minutes.
• Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the country ham and cook until crisped and golden brown on each side, about 5 minutes. Remove the ham and keep warm. Add the coffee and 1 cup water to the skillet, scraping up any brown bits with a wooden spoon. Simmer until the "gravy" has reduced to about 1/2 cup, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Spoon the hot grits into warmed bowls. Top each with a pat of butter and black pepper to taste. Top with the ham and ladle over the gravy. Serve immediately.

ROASTED TOMATO GRITS WITH COUNTRY HAM AND CRACKLINGS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Combine the tomatoes, olive oil, rosemary, and vinegar on a rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss to coat the tomatoes evenly. Spread the tomatoes in a single layer, cut side down, and roast for about 30 minutes, until they begin to shrivel and soften and the undersides have caramelized. Remove the tomatoes, turn off the oven, and place the cracklings in the oven to warm.
• While the tomatoes are cooking, bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the 2 teaspoons salt and slowly add the grits in a steady stream, whisking constantly. Reduce the heat to low and cook and stir for 15 to 20 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken. Add the milk and continue to cook and stir for 5 minutes more, until the grains are tender and the mixture is thick.
• While the grits are cooking, sauté the ham slices in a cast-iron skillet or grill pan until warmed through and slightly brown around the edges, about 4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and cover loosely to keep warm.
• When the grits are ready, remove from the heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Taste for seasoning and stir in additional salt and pepper, if desired.
• Serve warm topped with the roasted tomatoes and their juices, a few slices of the ham, and a sprinkling of the cracklings and parsley.

GRITS, COUNTRY HAM AND RED-EYE GRAVY

Steps:

• For the grits, bring the water and milk to a boil in a pan, whisk in the grits, and then reduce the heat and cook for an hour. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
• For the poached eggs, bring a pan of water to a gentle simmer and add salt and vinegar. Using a spoon, swirl the water in a circle and crack the eggs into the center of the water. Simmer for about 2 minutes. Set aside.
• For the gravy, to a pre-heated skillet, add a slice of ham and warm it through. Then remove the ham to a plate. Into the same skillet add the coffee and pork stock and reduce.
• To a bowl or plate add a serving of grits, the ham, a poached egg and sprinkle with chives. Drizzle the red-eye gravy over the grits and serve.