I started dinner early this afternoon, cutting up a fresh pineapple for the Clafoutis for dessert. I wish I had some whey to make pineapple vinegar, but that will have to wait. A little closer to dinnertime, I finished the dessert and pan fried some lamb chops. They were on sale this week, so instead of paying $20 or more, I got six big organic arm chops for $12. I only cooked a couple at a time, removing them to my warm oven while more cooked. I chopped up some red cabbage and cooked it gently in a little water and apple pie spices. When it was tender, I tossed in a chopped apple and let the pieces soften. I found some pretty organic purple fingerling potatoes that I boiled for a few minutes, then put in the oven with some butter and rosemary. When the lamb was done, I thew some red wine and beef stock into the pan and made a reduction sauce. We have a joke at our house that you know dinner is ready when the smoke alarm goes off. It’s not true every night, but our wimpy little exhaust fan hates me to pan fry anything. The alarm never went off, but I had to open the windows in the kitchen to the 41° night. Brr!

Everyone loved the lamb, but not the fat. We’ve never eaten game, so the stronger flavor of the fat was a bit much for the kids. The reduction was delicious on the meat, and even on the potatoes. Everyone tried the cabbage, and graciously ate it, but no one went back for seconds. I’m glad I didn’t make a lot of it! The fresh pineapple Clafoutis was popular with those of us who like pineapple, but teenaged son turned up his nose at it when he saw it wasn’t all “cakey” but “custardy” as well.

We are slowly getting over the cold that’s been going around. One child never did get it (the allergic one!) and one went into bronchitis. I’m still struggling with a very low energy level, even though I haven’t coughed, sneezed or run a fever in days. The worse of my two legs acted up today while I was on the treadmill and I had to stop before my workout was completed. It wouldn’t be such a big deal, but my right-hand-lady, my oldest girl, is off visiting friends for a couple weeks. The kids are a tremendous help, except they help like, well, kids. But, better the vacuuming be done in the center of the room than not at all!

Advertisement