When I want a menu that tastes like home I cook Country Ham Steaks drizzled with Red Eye Gravy. Serve alongside Southern Style Green Beans, and mashed potatoes or Cheese Grits, then finish with a slice of Derby Pie, for an authentic taste of the Bluegrass region.
Picking a Winning Derby Day Menu
Who’s your pick to win the Kentucky Derby this year?
My long-held guidelines for choosing a winner help me know in an instant which horse I’ll pick to win the race. Odds aside, I choose my horse based on the name alone, and even then I keep it simple. I bet on the one whose name begins with a vowel.
In fact, I must admit, I hardly know who’s running this year. Derby Day definitely snuck up on me this time. While the Kentucky Derby is always on the first Saturday in May, this year’s first Saturday is actually on the 1st of May, which happens to be tomorrow! Generally, I operate more effectively with a little more lead-in time.
Luckily, all the makings of a Derby Day feast are already in my pantry. Not long ago I ordered some Kentucky country ham from Finchville Farms. They ship authentic country ham from the bluegrass region of Kentucky, not far from where I grew up. Their hams are sugar cured using no nitrates or nitrites in the process. They offer a variety of products from a whole uncooked country ham to a ham that is cooked, boned and thinly sliced so that it is ready to enjoy when it arrives.
Red Eye Gravy Over Country Ham Steaks
Wanting a reminder of the flavors of home without the fuss of a whole ham, I ordered Finchville Farms old fashioned country ham steaks. They came sealed in packages of three large ham steaks each. Stashed away in my cupboard they are ready to offer a taste of the south on short notice.
When I cook the ham I’ll make good use of the drippings by pouring in a little black coffee to simmer down into Red Eye Gravy. I’ll serve the Country Ham steaks drizzled with the Red Eye Gravy beside Southern Style Green Beans, and mashed potatoes or Cheese Grits. I’ll also add a side of home cooked Biscuits. And for dessert, well you can’t beat Aunt Hen’s “Brownie Pie“, a wonderful version of the recipe for a guarded Derby favorite.
Kentucky Country Ham and Red Eye Gravy
Course: Main DishDifficulty: Easy5
minutes15
minutes20
minutesMake good use of the drippings, when you cook a Ham Steak, by pouring in a little black coffee to simmer down into Red Eye Gravy.
Ingredients
one package of country ham steaks
1/2 cup black coffee
up to 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
Directions
- Brown country ham steaks in a hot skillet (I used a cast iron skillet) turning the steaks several times until done, being careful not to overcook it in the process.
- Remove the ham to a warm plate and tent with foil or let it rest in a slightly warmed oven while preparing the gravy.
- Pour the black coffee into the skillet you cooked the ham in. Stir in the sugar, if desired. Simmer and stir until the ham bits in the pan are incorporated and the mixture reduces by about a third. (It will not really thicken but remains more like a flavorful juice.)
- Pour the gravy over the ham slices and serve hot.
- Enjoy!
What a feast! It looks delicious!
Looks fantastic! We had the wettest Derby Day in years!
What a scrumptious dinner. I haven't cooked a ham in ages and it looks so good. I've never tried red eye gravy…very interesting.
although i usually prefer a thick, hearty sawmill gravy, there are times when a strong red-eye gravy is just the ticket. your plate of food looks AWESOME.
I am so hungry!! This looks great my hubby would really enjoy this one.
Adding the coffee sounds so different and delicious!