Grilled Lamb Chops with Tomato, Mint, and Garlic Sauce

I don't know how you feel about grilling on an outdoor barbecue grill whether it may be a simple charcoal grill or, a fabulous spacious gas grill that just with one click of the starter button, it lights instantly...just stay away from the fire and not let your hair catch on fire...lol!

Grilling is not just for men...your hubbies are not always the 'grill masters'! When you watch those cooking shows you can see how many women are quite competent in the grilling contest against the men and win! Well, this is not a grilling or cooking contest post, I'm getting way too off from the subject!

If you're a 'meat lover' and like grilled meats, these succulent 'bone in' lamb chops are perfect and easy grilling, once they have been properly marinated for at least 30 minutes in a simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper...ready to grill!

I do recommend the delicious Tomato, Mint, and Garlic Sauce to go along with it. Easter is around the corner this Sunday and if weather permits just get out to enjoy the beautiful Spring weather, and light up your grill. There are other enjoyable side dishes to grill along with the lamb, and have yourself a fun and blessed day!

Grilled Lamb Chops with Tomato, Mint and 

Garlic Sauce

recipe ispired by; William-Sonoma

• 8 thick-cut bone-in lamb loin chops, each 1 1/2
   inches thick, 2 to 2 1/2 lb. total weight
• Extra-virgin olive oil for coating, plus 1 Tbs.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper,
   to taste
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh basil
• 
  

For the sauce:

• 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small shallot, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tomatoes, peeled, seeded and coarsely
   chopped
• 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 6 to 8 fresh basil leaves, cut into narrow strips
• 6 to 8 fresh mint leaves, cut into narrow strips
• 1/4 cup dry red wine
• 
  
•  In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the shallot and sauté until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the tomatoes and cook, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes soften and release their liquid, 3 to 4 minutes. 
• Add the wine and vinegar ,season with salt and pepper. Cook until flavors have incorporated, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the basil and mint, and set aside until the lamb chops are roasted.
• 
  

Chops cut from the loin are the most costly of the various types of lamb chops, but they are also the tastiest and most tender. This recipe calls for double loin chops, which are simply cut twice as thick as a typical loin chop. While the chops are resting, a quick pan sauce of tomatoes, garlic, basil and mint that will be drizzled over them at once it is served. Roasted potatoes on the side, couscous or Basmati rice would round out the plate.

Light up your outdoor gill on high and let it heat up for about 10 minutes. Place the lamb chops on the hot and high grill and sear for 2 minutes. Turn the chops and sear for 1 minute on the other side. Immediately turn the grill temperature down to medium and grill the lamb until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone, registers 125° to 130°F for medium-rare, 5 to 6 minutes. 

Remove the pan from the grill, and transfer the chops to a warmed platter and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for a few minutes and add the  accumulated juices to the sauce.

Divide the chops among warmed plates. Divide the sauce evenly among them, spooning it over the top. Serve immediately. Serves 4.

Linking to:
Full Plate Thursday #373

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Chocolate Balsamic Strawberries

Another TGIF...and I feel I've been so neglectful in cooking, or baking something for a new post this week. Too busy eating lunches and dinners at my daughter Lora's.

 For instance, her amazing sourdough pizza that she made yesterday and just posted it...you gotta check out her Sourdough Pizza Margherita...as for me, all I could come up with for today, is a fabulous quick and light strawberry dessert that I made, and photographed at her house...playing 'tag' with the sun coming in and out!

It's been over a year now, that I have received an amazing giveaway gift set of fantastic walnut olive oil, chocolate balsamic vinegar, seasonings, and spice rubs. from ARTISANO'S  via my dear friend Lizzy! I have not opened the chocolate balsamic vinegar...until now, even though I know how amazing it is on strawberries. I did make balsamic soaked strawberries before, but nothing like this particular one!

I've been reading  quite a few recipes from my Hungarian food blogger friends...especially GIZI who happens to make a lot of desserts with mascarpone and whipped cream...'hmm'...I thought to myself; why is it that I have not seen a whipped cream incorporated with mascarpone?...what's so hard about it?...it's done the same way as if you are whipping cream, adding a little sugar and vanilla, to the mascarpone, and the cream...I'll tell you, it is pure HEAVEN! My 6yr. old grandson, took a soup spoon and was totally eating the cream...like 'no tomorrow'...I had to remind him that we need to save it for the dessert!

Here's the most amazing chocolate balsamic vinegar that I have ever had the pleasure of using it for my amazing simple strawberry dessert. Here's ARTISANO'S website, to check out there amazing products, and to order online to be shipped to you! In any case, I will post the recipe, including making your own chocolate balsamic vinegar...just from my own experience from the past!

Chocolate Balsamic Strawberries
created by; Elisabeth

1/3 cup chocolate balsamic vinegar
or regular balsamic vinegar and 1 Tbsp of
dark cocoa powder
2 teaspoons, plus 4 Tbsp. sugar

8 oz container of mascarpone cheese
8 oz. container of whipping (heavy) cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large basket of fresh strawberries...about 24 ozs.
hulled, and halved


Combine vinegar, (cocoa powder) if you don't have the chocolate balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons sugar, in a heavy small saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.

Boil, until syrup is reduced to scant 1/4 cup, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl; cool completely.

For the cream:
Combine mascarpone cream, vanilla, and 2 Tbsp. sugar in a large bowl. With a hand held electric mixer, beat until soft peaks form. Combine berries, and remaining 2 Tbsp. sugar in large bowl. Drizzle with balsamic syrup and toss to blend. Let stand for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Divide berries and syrup among 4 dessert glasses. Top with mascarpone cream. Yumm! 

Just to let you know how the weather is in Palm Beach at the end of the afternoon...just about every day! Huge rain clouds, and a quick soft rain...or a short storm! Have a wonderful weekend! xo

White Beans and Tuna Salad

I hope you are all enjoying your summer months...hopefully not suffering the horrible heat wave. For us, in South Florida, we've gone through some scorching temperatures, and when the humidity level hits the 100%...don't even try to stay dry, and comfortable in your best attire...because the minute you step outside from your air conditioned comfortable homes, you will be drenched with 'sweat'...within minutes. The best thing do do is just dress comfortably in your shorts and T-shirts...although, that may not apply if you're going someplace that requires appropriate dress code!

A couple weeks ago, I happen to notice a favorite easy and light salad on a food blogger friend's blog... that I have not made for a while....and immediately wanted to make it, so the perfect opportunity was, while my family vacationed in Italy, to have a light and easy lunch, just for myself...I did even find a can of the lovely Italian tuna in olive oil, and the cannelini beans.The vegetables, I purchased at our favorite local produce market!

 

Isn't it nice to just grab a recipe from a fellow food blogger, who happens to inspire you with their creation?...actually, this simple salad does not really need a recipe, but if you would like to follow the recipe, I have a great suggestion for you!

On the left side of this page, is the photo of the refreshing and light salad, that my new food blogger friend, Anna shared on her blog...@ Una Semplice Passione...meaning: A Simple Passion!...doesn't the title sound romantic?
I was so happy to find this lost and forgotten simple, yet so healthy and delicious salad.

The only difference was, in addition to Anna's recipe, was that I just had to have my favorite Balsamic Vinaigrette...this time with fresh snipped dill added to the balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil! Enjoy it with a couple pieces of nice crusty bread, and you got yourself a fabulous light lunch!

Do check out the fabulous  Una Semplice Passione ...and say hello to Anna, and let her know I sent you!

FEAST your eyes...people! Who says, you can't eat healthy foods?...Just look at this other creation of mine, that I made from all the veggies and fresh fruits in season: Preparation may take a little time, but it's so well worth it
I call this creation of mine:...PAPAYA, KIWI SALSA....just happen to make it up. Nothing exotic, no spicy additions, but you can add your favorite hot chilli or jalapeno peppers to it.

All it is: Diced papaya...cucumbers, peeled, pulp scooped out cut in half, and slice into moon shape...red onion diced, kiwi peeled, cut in half and diced, and a good squeeze of fresh lime over it, sea salt, freshly ground pepper...and the most important herb...chopped cilantro! If you don't like cilantro, you can use chopped parsley, or basil; your preference. You can use dill, too, of course. You do not need olive oil, or any other oils...leave it natural, and let it marinade for about 20 minutes before serving

Grilled Asparagus...and People Watching!

Asparagus is such a nice vegetable to serve so many different ways but most important that you do not over cook it, otherwise it loses it's beautiful appearance and you will also lose their benefits of their important vitamins and protein. It is an excellent source of potassium and vitamin A & C. Rich in niacin, and low in sodium.
I'm linking this to Full Plate Thursday 5-19-11 @Miz Helen's Country Cottage

If you don't want to turn on your outdoor grill for the asparagus, you can easily grill it in a cast iron skillet ...but will turn on the grill for the (ribs) skillet has been pre-greased, and preheated. All you really need to do is just wash and cut of the thick ends, season them with a little extra virgin olive oil, some sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, and heat on both sides for just a few minutes...
better yet, click over to Toni's blog @Boulder Locavore  and she will enlighten you with even more information on this wonderful, and beautiful vegetable. She has the most amazing blog and you will appreciate her unique and delicious things that she makes. If you would like to see another version of this beautiful vegetable, check out Kate's blog @Diethood, for her Roasted Asparagus with Bacon and Feta, and you will see how versatile asparagus can be. Also if you're craving for a really delicious and super easy tart with asparagus, you must check out Kirsten's blog @My Kitchen in the Rockies. her blog will amaze you with all the beautiful dishes she creates, and the photos, as well!

Another post of the pork spare ribs...you ask? I made this Sunday at my son's house. Spent the entire day with them, and ended up cooking, which of course is "second nature" to me. They had this huge slabs of ribs from Costco. and just as I was leaving to go home brought out the ribs and asked if I can stay for dinner as well. How can you turn down spare ribs?...My son back again, from his vegetarian ways...just can't resist certain meats!
As in my previous post of the ribs, I baked them off first for at least a good 45 minutes in a 400 degree F. oven.
Cut the ribs in 4 pieces of portions, as you see on the photo, place them in an aluminum lined rimmed large baking pan.

Drizzle some vegetable oil on them, salt, pepper, garlic powder, to taste, and also some type of vinegar. (I prefer white) but they only had balsamic, which was a new try...also they were out of Lea and Perrins Worcestershire sauce..."no Worcestershire sauce" I asked?...that is when a good bottle of Balsamic will do the trick.
When it is ready to throw on the grill, take them out of the oven, and brush on both sides of the ribs, your favorite barbecue sauce. and literally just grill for no longer than 25 minutes. When it's ready, cut into individual pieces just as it is on the photo above...right on a large cutting board, and serve it on the board, as it is. So good, melt in your mouth amazing ribs, and so tasty, cutting and serving on a large wooden board.

Nothing beats sitting on the deck relaxing, and browsing through one of your favorite cookbooks. I'm sitting on my son's small deck in the back of their house. Everything is in a Zen, Buddhist theme. Serenity and calm. You can really just "chill" out and listen to your thoughts, and ideas!

It's so nice to just sit, and watch nature, or for that matter, people in my next photos. As I was sitting and browsing through Cara's cookbook which is from my all time favorite author whose recent book I offered as a giveaway, this is the author who I was talking about in my past post. Sheila Lukins. The New Basics Cookbook which I also had a copy of but donated it to Goodwill, is just an honest and the best recipes... without photos, but plenty of drawing illustrations. This book was originally edited in 1989, the height of my cooking/catering career. A "bible" of the best recipes that you can refer to. Now, my sweet d-in-law let me take the book home because there are a lot of recipes in there that I have used, and will bring back again.

So, let's get on to the people watching!

How often do you just sit, and watch the world go by?...Well, we all do that, otherwise we wouldn't be human. Do you ever just sit in a public place, as on a beach, a social event, or just on a bench in a park, or any public place where people come and go?...what goes through your mind, or wonder what goes through their mind? ...chances are they are just passing through and you're the one in deep thoughts checking out the individuals. There are many people out there in all shapes and sizes, nationalities, colors, and let's not define their "religion" or "no religion." The point is...
"People are strange when you're a stranger
Faces look ugly when you're alone"...LOL, let's not get into that deep, quoting from the "Doors" song, but basically
we do have to admit that some people are really strange...but that's what makes life interesting.
 

Sunday, May 8th, 2011...Hollywood Beach, Florida. Not to poke fun, but I do like to take photos even of my own family when they're not watching. This is where we arrived from our location in West Palm Beach, a 45 minutes ride. I was really surprised that daughter Lora, or her hubby has never seen the famous beach in Hollywood. On the left in the pink shirt is 9 yr. old granddaughter Gabby, Lora in the coral colored shirt walking, and hubby being guided by grandson Luca, age 5...lets' continue!

You can rent all sorts of fun rides, as in this 3 wheeler...single bicycles, bicycle built for 2, or 4, for that matter.

You can also rent these "sedways?" is that what you call them?...anyway these cool thing are what "mall cops" ride around in the malls...but here on Hollywood beach you can ride on them too...so cool!

Watching people from the Turkish restaurant we were at, on the patio...happy little guys on the beach, one riding the three wheeler, the other briskly walking behind...and on the beach, more "people" watching!

You can always bring a pair of skates with you...as this guy does, and opt for a terrific tan.

...or how about this guy?...I think he's been on a diet too long. He literally fell off this curb from flexing his "imaginary" muscles, and doing exercise on the ledge...picked himself up, and started again, just hangin' around on the ledge.

...and oh, if you have a thong bikini, by all means, show them off...LOL...and this young lady just did that.

"Pants on the ground" guy...could not get a good shot with the shadow, but then he realized someone is watching and attempted to pull his pants up!

Three elderly guys on the left...still in good physique...and a young guy jogging. Take your pick!

OK...back to the bicycles again...good work out on the beach!

You can get creative, and design your own shade and comfort with plastic and aluminum foil...just like this guy did...wonder if he takes orders to make one for you?...LOL

Just so you will feel secure...there are professional security guards all over the beach on bicycles...like this one in the middle!

The "rat pack" team again...watching the guy with the "pants on the ground"...or the custom style bicycle guy?...or maybe another "bikini clad" girl...whichever it was, they sure were enjoying themselves!

.

This is the really good restaurant where we ate our lunch...nothing fancy, not expensive...just great Mediterranean food...and watch the world go by!

Falafel platter with hummus, tomatoes, and lettuce.

Greek salad appetizer...a little too much oregano, and dill sprinkled on...but other than that, everything was so fresh, and delish!

Grilled steak, and grilled peppers and onions...the steak was share by all...the food was so good and filling!

Baba Ganoush (eggplant caviar)...with fresh homemade pitas...and more Greek salad!

Can't leave the Tabbouleh out...cracked bulgur wheat with plenty of fresh herb, such as parsley, mint, and dill, with lots of lemon juice squeezed on it, and diced tomatoes with chopped onions...yumm!

Some of us text...while some of us enjoy a nice chilled Corona beer with a piece of lime...so refreshing!

As we were leaving, couldn't ignore the local bus...or maybe a "tour bus"...taking this photo from the car. (you can see the right rear view mirror)...One fun trip in one's lifetime, with a lot of fun, and fond memories spent with your loved ones...a treasure that you share...smiles...