ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH COUNTRY HAM, RED-EYE GRAVY, AND POACHED EGGS

Steps:

• Asparagus
• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Arrange the asparagus on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with the olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Roast until the color intensifies to a bright green and the asparagus spears are tender with crispy edges, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and cover loosely to keep warm.
• Ham and Gravy
• While the asparagus is in the oven, heat a dry cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ham and cook until the meat is warmed through and begins to brown slightly, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and cover loosely to keep warm.
• Without cleaning the skillet, return it to the heat and add the coffee and butter. Stir to mix, scraping the bottom and sides to incorporate any bits of meat. Cook until the gravy reduces slightly, 3 to 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the dish is assembled.
• Eggs
• Fill another large skillet with water about 2 inches deep and bring to a boil. Add the vinegar and salt and reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Add the eggs one at a time and poach for 2 to 3 minutes, until the whites set and a thin, translucent film forms over the yolks (see Know-how, below). Use a slotted spoon to gently transfer the eggs to a paper towel-lined platter to drain.
• Assembly
• Divide the asparagus evenly between individual serving plates or place on a large serving platter and top with the ham. Place 1 or 2 eggs on each slice of ham and spoon the gravy on top. Sprinkle with the tarragon and additional salt and pepper, if desired, and serve hot.
• Know-how: Making Poached Eggs
• Poached eggs are as healthy as hard-boiled eggs because they are cooked in water, and as versatile as fried eggs, with yolks as runny or firm as you please. They are easy to make, too. The touch of vinegar added to the water helps the eggs keep their shape while they cook.
• Fill a large skillet with water about 2 inches deep and bring to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons vinegar and a pinch of sea salt and reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Break 1 egg into a small bowl or measuring cup, taking care not to break the yolk. Quickly turn the egg out of the bowl into the simmering water so the egg keeps its shape when it hits the water. Repeat with the remaining eggs, working in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the whites set and a thin, translucent film forms over the yolks. For a firmer yolk, cook 1 to 2 minutes longer. Use a slotted spoon to gently transfer the eggs to a paper towel-lined platter to drain.