Red Eye Gravy

1# Berkshire Farms Applewood Smoked Bacon (cut into lardoons)
8 Yellow Onions
7 Jalapeños (seeded & chopped)
15 Garlic Cloves
4 Bay Leaves
14cups Coffee (reduce by half)
1 ½ gallons Chicken Stock
4 ea Red Peppers
1 #10can  Crushed Tomatoes
7 # Fresh Roma Tomatoes

Procedure:

• Render the bacon and as it is getting brown add the chopped onions and jalapeños. Just before they brown add the garlic and let it soften. Add the bay leaves and the romas. Simmer until the romas break down. Allow a fond to build a little, be careful to not over do it. Deglaze with the coffee, add the stock and simmer for about an hour to an hour an a half. Puree and adjust salt if needed, likewise with a touch of vinegar. Sauce should have body but still flow onto the plate.

Submitted by Robb Wyss, Executive Chef at Illini Country Club, Springfield, Ill.

Tags: Coffe Illini Country Club Robb Wyss