GOODNESS
Oregano: This tasty herb finds itself in much Mediterranean cooking, and is just loaded with nutrients. It is good for the digestion, and has many powerful anti-oxidants (even more than blueberries) and anti-carcinogens. It also has antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. As if that weren't enough, is also an antifungal, even taking on the notorious candida yeast. You want to use fresh oregano, as the dried herb loses the volatile oils that are responsible for its many benefits.

Rosemary: This piney herb adds great flavor to many meats, but the surprise is how good it is for you. It has anti-inflammatory chemicals, making it useful in the treatment of liver and heart disease as well as asthma. It seems to have some potent anti-tumor properties and has been researched for its use against breast, colon and skin cancer. Although still being researched, it may be a useful tonic for the brain and has been used since ancient times as a memory enhancer. Although it is just fine in foods, you should avoid strong tinctures of rosemary if you are pregnant.

Thyme: This aromatic herb has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties and contains thymol, a well-known antiseptic (you might be gargling with it). It's good for the digestion and is supposed to have some aphrodisiac qualities, although that just may be be due to the well-known connection between love and good food.
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Recipe

Lamb Chops with Poached Quince and Balsamic Pan Sauce

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 28

ingredients

  • 1 cup unsweetened apple juice
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 quince, peeled, cored, cut into 0.25–,inch–,thick slices
  • 3 fresh thyme sprigs plus 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 8.75–,inch–,thick lamb rib chops or 8 1.25–,inch–,thick lamb loin chops
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

directions

Combine apple juice and sugar in small saucepan. Bring to boil over medium–,high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add quince slices and thyme sprigs. Reduce heat to medium–,low, cover, and simmer until quince is tender, about 20 minutes. Strain, reserving quince and juices separately. Discard thyme sprigs.

Sprinkle lamb with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over medium–,high heat. Add lamb, cook to desired doneness, about 2.5 minutes per side for rib chops and 3.5 minutes per side for loin chops for medium–,rare. Transfer lamb to platter, cover to keep warm. Pour off drippings from skillet, place skillet over medium heat. Add reserved quince juices, boil until reduced to 1/4 cup, scraping up any browned bits, about 2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat, stir in vinegar, butter, oregano, rosemary, and 1/2 teaspoon chopped thyme. Season pan sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

Top lamb with poached quince. Spoon pan sauce over and serve.