Peppered Coffee Gravy
Grrrrrgh!
Course : Gravy
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 4
 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup bacon drippings (or substitute solid vegetable shortening)
2 slices authentic Virginia country-cured ham slices, 1/4 inch thick
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup strong black coffee
1 1/2 cups beef stock
 

Preparation:

Heat 1/2 cup bacon drippings in a heavy, 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the ham slices and cook until they are very crisp. Remove and set aside. Add the pepper and flour to the bacon drippings; stir to blend well. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the coffee and stir rapidly to blend well. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the beef stock. Chop the reserved ham slices into crumb-size pieces and add to the gravy. Cook, stirring, until thickened.