——————————ROASTED SHALLOT—————————— —————————BALSAMIC VINEGAR SAUCE————————— 2 c Beef stock
1 1/4 c Balsamic vinegar
1/2 lb Butter
– cut into small pieces 8 Shallots; roasted
– and finely chopped Salt & Pepper (to taste) —————————LOIN OF LAMB EN CROUTE————————— 4 Lamb loins (6 oz each)
– cleaned 1 tb Olive oil
1 Garlic clove
Salt and pepper 2 tb Olive oil
4 Sheets puff pastry
2 Red bell peppers, roasted
– peeled, seeded, and – cut into 1/2″ strips 8 oz Feta cheese, crumbled
1 c Cooked spinach; drained
1 Egg; beaten with water
1 tb Water (to beat with egg)
For Roasted Shallot Balsamic Vinegar Sauce: In a medium saucepan place the beef stock and balsamic vinegar. Heat them on medium high for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced to 1/4. While stirring constantly, add the butter pieces one at a time, and whisk them in so that they are well incorporated. Add the roasted shallots, salt and pepper. Set aside while you prepare the lamb. Rub the lamb loins with the 1 tablespoon of olive oil and garlic clove. Sprinkle them with the salt and the pepper. In a heavy skillet place the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it on medium until it is hot. Sear the lamb on both sides. Cut the puff pastry sheet so that it is the length of the lamb loin and 2-1/2 times as wide. Place the lamb in the center of the sheet. Top the lamb with the roasted peppers, feta cheese, and cooked spinach. Fold one end of the dough over the lamb. Brush the other side of the pastry with the egg wash and then fold it over on top of the other pastry end by 2″. Cut off the extra dough and reserve it. Crimp the open ends together with your fingers. Turn the wrapped lamb over. Make a braid the length of the lamb with the left-over pastry dough. Brush the top of the dough with the egg wash and place the braid on top. Preheat the oven to 425?F. Bake the wrapped lamb for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown. Serve the baked lamb with the Roasted Shallot Balsamic Vinegar Sauce.