Lamb Chops with Balsamic Reduction

I have started cooking again! Hallelujah! I took such a long break because I had morning sickness for about 3 months straight and nothing ever sounded good to me. It's good to be back.

The very first thing I cooked, I have mentioned before here on my blog, it's Homemade Chicken Fettuccine and it was fabulous if I do say so myself. It's very simple and a co-worker, who claims to be a novice cook, saw it on my blog and made it and loved. So try it out if you haven't yet.

For Christmas Eve, I decided to do something special for my husband and I. I had cooked this lamb chop recipe once before on Easter and it was fabulous! Lamb chops, the Lamb of God, there's some symbolism right? Anyways, it was SO delicious. Definitely a five-star recipe in our book. The only problem I have is actually finding lamb chops at the store. Shallots can be somewhat difficult also and the only place I could find both was at Reams.

Lamb Chops with Balsamic Reduction
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.

The picture really doesn't do it justice. I should have taken a picture with the whole plate. I served it with red mashed potatoes and a salad.