Skewered Lamb With Rioja Red Wine Vinaigrette And Endive Salad With Blue Cheese Serrano Ham And Pears Recipes

SKEWERED LAMB WITH SPICY POMEGRANATE-RIOJA RED WINE VINAIGRETTE AND MINT-ALMOND RELISH

Steps:

• For the skewered lamb: Combine the oil, garlic, parsley, rosemary and thyme in a bowl. Add the lamb, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. The longer the refrigeration time, the better.
• For the spicy pomegranate-rioja red wine vinaigrette: Combine the pomegranate juice, wine, peppercorns, thyme and 1 tablespoon honey in a small saucepan. Cook over high heat until the syrup is reduced to 1 cup. Remove the syrup from the heat and cool. Remove the thyme and peppercorns with a spoon.
• Whisk the remaining 1 tablespoon honey, mustard and vinegar in a bowl. Whisk in 1/2 cup of the red wine syrup. Cover and refrigerate the remaining syrup to keep up to 1 month. Yield: about 1 cup.
• Remove the lamb from the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling.
• Preheat a charcoal grill for direct grilling. Remove the lamb from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the lamb with salt and pepper on both sides. Thread 2 or 3 pieces of the lamb onto each skewer, so the lamb lays flat. Grill the lamb until golden brown and charred on both sides and cooked to medium doneness, about 2 minutes each side. Transfer the lamb to a sheet pan. Drizzle the lamb with some Spicy Pomegranate-Rioja Red Wine Vinaigrette and let sit for 5 minutes.
• For the mint-almond relish: Mix the almonds and mint and sprinkle with salt and pepper just before serving.
• Drizzle the remaining Spicy Pomegranate-Rioja Red Wine Vinaigrette over the lamb and sprinkle with the mint-almond relish.

LAMB, ROASTED SHALLOT AND CHORIZO SKEWERS WITH RIOJA VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a medium stainless steel saucepan reduce the wine to 1/4 cup. Place the syrup in a blender and add the vinegar, mustard, and honey and blend until combined. With the motor running slowly add the olive oil and blend until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste. In a large bowl, combine the garlic, olive oil, rosemary and lamb and marinate for 4 to 6 hours in the refrigerator. Prepare the grill. Thread the lamb cubes, chorizo and roasted shallots on the skewers and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness. Arrange on platter and drizzle with vinaigrette.

HAM SALAD IN ENDIVE CUPS

Steps:

• Combine the mayonnaise, mustard, hot sauce, dill and pepper in a small bowl and mix until well blended.
• In a medium bowl, mix together the ham, egg, celery and relish. Pour the dressing over and mix to combine.
• To serve, place a spoonful of the ham salad on the wide end of an endive leaf. Garnish with a piece of cheese and some dill.