Recipe #106: Lamb Chops with a Balsamic Reduction

Two new recipes in one day!  I'm on a roll, getting comfortable in my new kitchen.  My latest copy of Cooking Light magazine had a feature on all cuts of lamb and how to cook them, and I realized I've never made lamb.  Actually, I wasn't even sure if I've had it before.  I'm so glad I tried, because these were so good!  Kind of like steak, but a little different flavor.  I found this recipe on allrecipes.com (of course!) and it had such great ratings, I had to try.  Nick said it was a "high-class" dinner.  It was quite easy to make, too!  So herbal and fresh, and you feel kinda fancy eating it...

I love taking pictures in natural daylight again!

Ingredients

• 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 lamb chops (3/4 inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup minced shallots
• 1/3 cup aged balsamic vinegar
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter

Directions

1. In a small bowl or cup, mix together the rosemary, basil, thyme, salt and pepper. Rub this mixture onto the lamb chops on both sides. Place them on a plate, cover and set aside for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place lamb chops in the skillet, and cook for about 3 1/2 minutes per side for medium rare, or continue to cook to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet, and keep warm on a serving platter.
3. Add shallots to the skillet, and cook for a few minutes, just until browned. Stir in vinegar, scraping any bits of lamb from the bottom of the skillet, then stir in the chicken broth. Continue to cook and stir over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, until the sauce has reduced by half. If you don't, the sauce will be runny and not good. Remove from heat, and stir in the butter. Pour over the lamb chops, and serve. 

Note:  I served these over a bed of spring leafage!  Side of mashed sweet potatoes.  These chops are small, bone-in, so I recommend two per person.