Lamb, Nutty Couscous and Steamed Artichoke

So I cheated last night. With the exception of the Couscous, I just assembled a simple Trader Joe's dinner. But I'm still going to share because my four year old daughter exclaimed in the middle of dinner, "Mommy, thank you so much. This is the most delicious dinner!" Upon which she leaped from her chair and curtseyed. Sometimes the simplest meals are the best...


Trader Joe's Butterflied Lamb
or Acme Lamb Shoulders $1.99/lb (halve cooking time)

Lamb
Fresh Ground Pepper
Mint Jelly

1. The key here is NOT to follow the directions on the package. Broil lamb under high heat for 7-10 minutes per side. Turn of the broiler and leave in the oven until the rest of the meal is finished.
2. Serve with mint jelly


Trader Joe's Globe Artichoke

3-4 Artichokes
Juice of 1/2 Lemon
1 tbsp butter

1. Steam Artichokes in 1 inch of water for 20-25 minutes or until leaves peel off easily.
2. Meanwhile melt butter and whish together with lemon juice and tbsp cooking water from the artichokes.
3. Serve Lemon-Butter as a dip with the Artichokes


Nutty CousCous

1 1/3 cups Israeli Couscous
1/2 cup Pine Nuts
2 tbsp onion, minced
1 tbsp butter
cinnamon (half a stick or 1 pinch of ground)
bay leaf
Zest of half a lemon
1 14 oz can of Chicken Stock

1. Saute onions in butter for 3-5 minutes.
2. Add Couscous, cinnamon stick, 1 bay leaf. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add stock. Bring to a boil then reduce to low and simmer covered. 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
4. Stir in lemon zest.