A new fancy pants dinner!

The bf and I have a habit (tradition?) of going to Costco on Sunday. Yesterday was not exception and the trip proved to be both (1) amusing and (2) productive. I have to tell the amusing story before I get to the recipe. I always find it amusing to see my professors in their natural habitat. Yesterday at Costco was no exception - I saw one of my professors leaving Costco with the most random assortment of purchases ever. He bought 2 gigantic bottles of wine, a case of Sam Adams and a huge tub of animal crackers.. seriously wtf? It was awesome!

The trip was also productive because for the first time ever I was brave enough to make one of my favorite restaurant foods -- lamb chops. Anyway as the pictures illustrate, last nights dinner was fancy yet surprisingly easy! I made grilled lamb loin chops with sauteed green beans and mashed potatoes.

Grilled Lamb Loin Chops
1 package lamb loin chops (allow 2 chops per person)
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 sprig fresh rosemary finely chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons pepper

Whisk together the spices, olive oil and vinegar. Transfer to a gallon size food storage bag and add the lamb chops. Massage the bag to coat the chops. Allow to marinade 30 minutes.

Heat grill to med. high heat. Grill chops 2 min on one side and turn grilling an additional 3 minutes for med. rare; longer for a more well done chop. Allow to rest for 10 minutes under an aluminum foil tent. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Sauteed Green Beans
1/2 to 1 lb fresh green beans trimmed
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
drizzle of balsamic vinegar

In a large skillet bring about 1/4 cup water to a boil. Add the green beans and salt. Steam for 1 minute. Drain and return the beans to the skillet. Add the olive oil and butter. Saute over medium heat. Add the pepper and garlic. Drizzle with vinegar. Serve immediately.

Mashed Potatoes:
See my previous post entitled "Tonight's Dinner" on 3/23/2009.