Grilled Lamb Chops

Grilled Lamb Chops

Grilled Lamb Chops garnished with fresh herbs and served on a wooden board.

Grilled Lamb Chops

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Moving sucks!! It’s not only an awful lot of work, it has also kept me away from food blogging for a couple of months now. Today I am getting back into the swing of things and quickly realizing that my hiatus has taken its toll. Lagging page views and technical issues are at the forefront today, but I am back and excited to share these delicious Grilled Lamb Chops with you. Don’t worry there’s a little bit of summer left to fire up the grill for this quick and easy elevated dinner.

Lamb chops, lemon, Dijon, garlic and fresh herbs on a wooden board in preparation for Grilled Lamb Chops.
Lamb chops coated with a herbed mustard paste are ready for the grill in preparation for Grilled Lamb Chops.

Lamb chops are my absolute favourite way to enjoy lamb. They’re mild tasting and get a nice char on them from their extra bit of fat. The mustard rub used on today’s Grilled Lamb Chops is a variation of my go-to favourite grilling/roasting rub. A good dose of garlic, Dijon and rosemary are perfect to compliment the lamb. Sadly, lamb is quite expensive in my area, so these delicious chops are not usually on regular rotation, but they are a fantastic option for a special dinner or entertaining occasion. Enjoy.

Grilled Lamb Chops arranged on a wooden board and garnished with fresh lemon, herbs and red pepper jelly.
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Grilled Lamb Chops

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 3 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 each rack of spring lamb
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2 tsp finely chopped fresh oregano
  • 1/2 each juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Trim any excess fat from the rack of lamb. Cut the rack into chops by cutting evenly between each rib. A medium-size rack will yield approximately 8 chops.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, oregano, lemon juice and salt and pepper.
  • Arrange the lamb chops in a shallow dish and evenly coat with mustard paste. Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high. Grill the lamb chops 6-7 minutes per side for medium-well.
  • Remove from the grill and cover with tin foil and allow to rest for 3 minutes before serving.
  • Serve with red pepper or mint jelly.

Notes

The grilling time per side may vary depending on the temperature of your grill.

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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Prepared Mediterranean Pasta Salad served in a clear bowl on a wooden tray.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

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Go ahead and skip the mayo with this Mediterranean Pasta Salad that is bright and briny with a wonderful array of ingredients. The zesty dressing made with Dijon and fresh herbs is a burst of flavour that takes this salad to the next level. Olives and pancetta add a nice texture and brininess to the pasta, while the spinach, cherry tomatoes and red onion keep it light and fresh. Mediterranean Pasta Salad is great for picnics, potlucks, backyard BBQ parties and your July long weekend. This salad holds up wonderfully the day it is made so there’s no fear of a soggy salad. The pasta and pancetta can be cooked up to two days ahead so tossing this salad together at the last minute is a cinch. Enjoy!

Ingredients for Mediterranean Pasta Salad arranged on a wodden tray.

This recipe was one of the first posted to my blog back in 2016 and I forgot how delicious it is. I felt it deserved a little revival just in time to enjoy for summer.

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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 6 cups

Ingredients

  • 7 ounces gemelli or fusilli pasta
  • 4 ounces pancetta
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil see note
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano see note
  • 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh parsley see note
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 cups lightly packed baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced and roughly chopped red onion
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until pasta is cool. Drain well and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, in a small skillet cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy and fat has been rendered, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, basil, oregano, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, garlic, salt and pepper.
  • Toss together pasta, pancetta, spinach, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, parmesan cheese and dressing until combined. Adjust seasoning and serve.

Notes

-fresh herbs are lovely in this recipe, however, if you need to use dry herbs use 1/3 of the amount stated for fresh.
-this salad is best served the day it is made but leftovers will keep for 2 days covered in the refrigerator.

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I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Pork Chops with Hard Cider Sauce

Pork Chops with Hard Cider Sauce

Pork Chops with Hard Cider Sauce on a metal serving tray garnished with fresh parsley.

Pork Chops with Hard Cider Sauce

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Every once in a while I like to remake one of my older recipes and give it a little life on the blog.  Pork Chops with Hard Cider Sauce get the honourable mention today! Not only because they’re tasty but because they’re so quick and easy.  A little hard cider goes a long way in making a quick pan sauce for your juicy pork chops. It adds great flavour along with the Dijon and tomato paste. It only takes a cup of hard cider so I guess the  bonus here is that you get to drink the rest.

A tray of three seared pork chops ready for sauce for Pork Chops with Hard Cider Sauce.

A tasty rub is smeared over the pork chops which are then pan fried golden. While they rest, a quick pan sauce with everyday ingredients and a little hard cider transpires. The key here is not to overcook the pork chops, 6 minutes per side is about all you need. If in doubt, you want a minimum of 145℉ on an instant read thermometer.

I love this recipe because you get good delicious value for the time spent. The spice rub adds additional flavour and a gorgeous colour to the pork chops. It’s a weeknight winner for sure! Enjoy!

Pork Chops with Hard Cider Sauce on a metal serving tray garnished with fresh parsley.
Pork Chops with Hard Cider Sauce on a metal serving tray garnished with fresh parsley.

Author: Compelled to Cook, Adapted slightly from: Williams-Sonoma Pork Chops with Hard Cider Pan Sauce.

Pork Chops with Hard Cider Sauce on a metal serving tray garnished with fresh parsley.
Pork Chops with Hard Cider Sauce
Print Recipe
Juicy spiced pork chops adorned with a creamy hard cider pan sauce.
    Servings Prep Time
    4 people 10 minutes
    Cook Time
    20 minutes
    Servings Prep Time
    4 people 10 minutes
    Cook Time
    20 minutes
    Pork Chops with Hard Cider Sauce on a metal serving tray garnished with fresh parsley.
    Pork Chops with Hard Cider Sauce
    Print Recipe
    Juicy spiced pork chops adorned with a creamy hard cider pan sauce.
      Servings Prep Time
      4 people 10 minutes
      Cook Time
      20 minutes
      Servings Prep Time
      4 people 10 minutes
      Cook Time
      20 minutes
      Ingredients
      Pork Chops
      Hard Cider Sauce
      Servings: people
      Instructions
      Pork Chops
      1. In a small bowl stir together all ingredients except pork chops. Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel. Rub pork chops with spice mixture, covering all sides. Add oil to a large stainless steel pan over medium heat. When oil is hot add pork chops and cook until golden, approximately 6 minutes per side or an internal temperature of 145℉ is reached. Remove from pan and tent with foil.
      Hard Cider Sauce
      1. Dab out excess oil from the same pan. Over medium heat, add hard cider scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring hard cider to a boil and reduce for 5 minutes. Whisk in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, sirracha, and tomato paste. Stir in heavy cream, allow to return to a simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes or until sauce coats the back of a spoon. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately over pork chops.
      Recipe Notes

      -Medium heat is recommended so the spice rub doesn't burn or get too dark. The trick for a good sear with medium heat is to not move the pork chops while they cook, allowing a good crust to form.

      -The time needed to cook the pork chops will vary depending on their thickness.  The 6 minutes per side is based on an approximate 1" thick pork chop.  If your chops are thinner, adjust accordingly and use a thermometer if needed.

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      I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
      Garlicky Buttered Beans

      Garlicky Buttered Beans

      Garlicky Buttered Beans served in a shallow, oval dish with a wedge of lemon.

      Garlicky Buttered Beans

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      Some will say it’s all about the turkey or roast, but how many of us scour through recipes looking for the perfect side dishes to serve with the turkey? We search for recipes because we dream of the perfect meal, and the meal generally includes side dishes. I definitely fall into this group of recipe searchers, partly because it’s nice to try something new and because I believe accompanying dishes are equally as important to any meal as the main item. Even though everyone will not agree with this sentiment, it’s hard to resist buttery green beans. Add in a good dose of garlic, Dijon and lemon juice and you’ve got a bright and zesty veggie that is perfect served with roast turkey, beef or ham. These Garlicky Buttered Beans just might steal the show.

      Sauteed garlic, butter and Dijon mustard in a stainless steel pan with blanched green beans in the background prepared for Garlicky Buttered Beans.

      Garlicky Buttered Beans start with simple ingredients and the whole dish comes together quickly with little fuss. To help with a busy day in the kitchen, the beans can be cooked and cooled in advance, leaving only a quick sauté in garlicky butter. The Dijon, lemon juice and chili flakes help to liven up plain old green beans. If it’s weeknight cooking for just a few people, go ahead and use only half the amount of the green beans, they’re just saucier. What’s not to love about that. Enjoy!

      Garlicky Buttered Beans served in a shallow, oval dish with a wedge of lemon.

      Garlicky Buttered Beans served in a shallow, oval dish with a wedge of lemon.
      Garlicky Buttered Beans
      Print Recipe
        Servings Prep Time
        6-8 people 10 minutes
        Cook Time
        10 minutes
        Servings Prep Time
        6-8 people 10 minutes
        Cook Time
        10 minutes
        Garlicky Buttered Beans served in a shallow, oval dish with a wedge of lemon.
        Garlicky Buttered Beans
        Print Recipe
          Servings Prep Time
          6-8 people 10 minutes
          Cook Time
          10 minutes
          Servings Prep Time
          6-8 people 10 minutes
          Cook Time
          10 minutes
          Ingredients
          Servings: people
          Instructions
          1. Heat a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook at a gentle simmer until just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
          2. Meanwhile, gather remaining ingredients and melt butter in a medium skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and saute on low heat until fragrant and slightly softened, about 1 minute, being careful not to brown. Whisk in lemon juice, Dijon, salt and pepper.
          3. Add cooked beans and toss until evenly coated with butter sauce. Serve immediately.
          Recipe Notes

          -Green beans can be cooked and cooled in an ice bath up to one day in advance.  They will need more time to warm in the butter sauce if adding from a chilled state.

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          Affiliate Disclosure

          I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
          Broccoli Cheddar Soup

          Broccoli Cheddar Soup

          By far, one of my favourite classes I took while in culinary school was “Soups & Sauces”.  Along with the five mother sauces, I learned how to make consommé and other traditional soups like Mulligatawny.  But what I learned the most, was the basic skill set that enabled me to make any soup I wanted or turn ingredients that I have on hand into something delicious. The “roux” was a big component to the class, and I remember little of alternate diet considerations.  Hence, with a world trying to cut out, or at least cut back on their gluten intake, I thought it best to skip the roux in this wonderfully thick and delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup.  

          It’s still thickened up a little, but I opted to use potato flakes instead of the traditional roux.  By doing so, I’ve not only cut out the gluten but used less fat, with wonderful results.  It’s also relatively healthy, as there’s minimal added fat and milk is used instead of cream.  Trust me, you won’t be missing a thing with the hints of oregano and mustard. Thick, creamy, loaded with broccoli and swirled with cheddar cheese, Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a must to make this fall. Enjoy!

          Recipe source for Broccoli Cheddar Soup:  Compelled To Cook

          Broccoli Cheddar Soup
          Print Recipe
            Servings Prep Time
            3-4 people 20 minutes
            Cook Time Passive Time
            35 minutes 5 minutes
            Servings Prep Time
            3-4 people 20 minutes
            Cook Time Passive Time
            35 minutes 5 minutes
            Broccoli Cheddar Soup
            Print Recipe
              Servings Prep Time
              3-4 people 20 minutes
              Cook Time Passive Time
              35 minutes 5 minutes
              Servings Prep Time
              3-4 people 20 minutes
              Cook Time Passive Time
              35 minutes 5 minutes
              Ingredients
              Servings: people
              Instructions
              1. Cut stems off broccoli, cutting very close to the flowerettes. Separate flowerettes into small pieces. Set aside 3 cups of flowerettes. Using a vegetable peeler, lightly peel the thick skin from the thicker stem pieces, discard skin. Chop stems, along with any remaining flowerettes into 1/2" chunks.
              2. In a medium pot, heat butter over medium heat until foamy. Add shallots and garlic, cook until soft, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chopped broccoli, 3 cups chicken broth and oregano. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook until very tender, 15-20 minutes. Stir in potato flakes and Dijon mustard. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
              3. Using a blender or submersion blender, blend soup until smooth. Return to pot, add milk and broccoli flowerettes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook covered until flowerettes are tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. Adjust thickness with more broth if needed. Stir in cheese. Serve immediately garnished with additional cheese if desired.
              Recipe Notes

              -recipe yields 5 1/2- 6 cups.

              -for vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

              -if serving to guests, cook and cool 1 cup of flowerettes separately. Stir into soup to warm just before adding cheese.  This provides wonderful colour and freshness.