This is a print preview of "Sliced Ham with Red-Eye Gravy; Cook book give-away!" recipe.

Sliced Ham with Red-Eye Gravy; Cook book give-away! Recipe
by Katie Zeller

There is snow in the south of France.

I live more in the middle of France - there's snow here, too.

The weather turned cold last week and winter seems most reluctant to loosen it's grip.

One should not be able to marvel at the sight of snow on daffodils.

So, there is no house update this week. Work cannot start upstairs until it's warm enough to work up there. Mon mari would like it to be around 10C (50F) at least (wimp - something about maintaining a grip on his hammer....)

He's not slacking off but I thought I'd skip boring you with a picture of trim here and a photo of a corner tile there.

Instead, I decided to give away a cook book.

A few years ago, I ordered this through Amazon Market Place, UK.

They immediately sent me a replacement. Three days later they both arrived.

Well.... I don't need two.

And I really can't bring myself to throw it out (it's a brand new book!)

So I'm giving it away....

Any one who is interested in owning this lovely book, please leave a comment. I'll put the names in a hat at the end of the week, draw one, and the lucky winner will be the new owner - I'll even pay the postage...

Details: Williams Sonoma: Hors D'Oeuvre, 120 pages, over 40 recipes (in English), lots of pretty pictures.

I recently did a post on the wide variety of ham we have available here. The one thing we can't get is 'A Ham'.

You know, the kind you put brown sugar glaze on and bake for Christmas or Easter dinner.

I miss that - although I'm not sure what I miss most: the ham dinner or the ham leftovers.

Periodically I buy a thick slice from the meat counter and pretend.

BTW, buying a thick slice of anything is not easy.

I point to my ham of choice and tell them I want one, thick slice.

They look at my strangely and repeat: one?

Then they set the slicer to double the norm - or 2 sheets of paper thick.

I say no, more.

3 sheets of paper thick.

No, more.

I finally learned to stipulate: 5cm thick (2 inches)

Naturally they don't believe me / think I know what I'm talking about.

They cut it 3cm (1 1/4 inches) thick - which is exactly what I want.

One has to let them be right and correct the weird American.... Makes their day.

Clean, trim and slice mushrooms. Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium high heat. When hot add paprika and sauté 1 minute. Add mushrooms and sauté 5 minutes longer. Move mushrooms to the side and add the ham slices. Brown lightly on both sides. Add coffee, sugar and bring to a boil. Remove ham to a small platter. Add cornstarch dissolved in water and stir until sauce is thick. Pour over ham and serve.

Lest I upset any proper southerners - I suppose I should qualify this and say it's a French version....

So.....

Who wants the cook book? Just leave a comment to enter.