Recipe - Ham And Pea Soup With Polenta Croutons

One half Stick unsalted butter; (1/4
cup)
1 One half pound Baked Virginia ham; cut into
1/2inch
; thick slices
One fourth cup Brewed coffee
One half cup Boiling water
Hot pepper sauce to taste
Spoon bread or buttered
cooked grits as
; an accompaniment if
desired

In a large skillet heat the butter over moderately high heat until the foam
subsides and in it saute the ham in batches, turning it once, for 2 to 3
minutes on each side, or until it is browned, and transfer it to a platter.
Into the skillet pour the coffee and One half cup boiling water and cook the
mixture over high heat, scraping up the browned bits, for 2 minutes. Season
the gravy with the hot pepper sauce and pepper and pour it over the ham
slices. (If desired, strain the gravy before pouring it over the ham.)
Serve ham and gravy with spoon bread or grits.

Yield: 4