Barbecuing with Emily and the bear
The juices that drip from lamb chops through a sizzling hot grate turn to a type of smokiness that makes serious carnivores a little weak in the knees and sends vegetarians running for the hills. This recipe uses extra-virgin olive oil, a savoury medley of garlic, fresh herbs, one abused teddy bear and a fortunate cat.
Instructions and recipe:
As a distraction, give Emily (aged 2 - trainee paratrooper) her favourite teddy, Mr. Buggles.
Place 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic on a cutting board and sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt on top. Using the side of a knife, crush the garlic and salt together to create a paste.
Remove Mr. Buggles from chopping board and carefully scrape garlic and salt back onto chopping board extracting most of the teddy hair from mixture.
Add 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary, 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme, 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and chop them together for even distribution.
Reassure Emily that Mr. Buggles won't smell funny tomorrow once he's washed and let her know that even if he does we can call him Monsieur Buggles. Make mental note to try the joke again with someone over the age of 2.
Place the cut potatoes in a medium bowl. Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top and add about half of the seasoning mixture. Stir the potatoes to evenly coat them.
Move to the garden carrying bowl of potatoes and turn on grill. Return to find Mr. Buggles and the cat sharing one of the lamb chops. Get caught in logic trap with Emily about why it is not always good to share. Try to wipe lamb blood from Mr. Buggles mouth wool, fail.
Return to garden with remaining lamb chops, Emily and Mr. Buggles the vampire soft toy, ironically smelling of garlic.
Grill the potatoes over Direct Medium heat until tender and browned on all sides, 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally (to check on Emily). Remove potatoes from the grill and keep them warm while you grill the lamb.
Lightly brush or spray 8 lamb loin chops (7 if you're squeamish about cat teeth marks) on both sides with olive oil. Use the remaining half of the seasoning mixture to spread on both sides of the lamb chops.
Notice Emily's silence, turn and remove Mr. Buggles from the grill. Dip flaming teddy into birdbath. Notice the continued silence and retrieve cat from Emily on route to grill. Encourage it to preserve its two remaining lives and take its chances with next doors Doberman.
Grill the lamb chops over Direct Medium heat until medium rare, 9 to 11 minutes, turning once halfway through grilling time.
Serve warm with potatoes and an alcohol restorative of your choice.
Make 4 servings (not counting the one for the cat).
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