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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

What to eat on Australia Day!

We enjoy crepes and croissants on Bastille Day and down Guinness on St Patrick's Day, so why not be thoroughly Australian on Australia Day.  First, collect a crowd, head outdoors where there's a barbie, take along some good Aussie lamb racks, a tin of Tasmanian Honey Company Leatherwood honey and gorgous King Island Dairy Triple Creme Brie, a bottle of Jansz or Clover Hill Bubbles, or jammy Shiraz, or, even more true to tradition start with a "Coopers" beer, laugh a lot and let the world go by.  She'll be right mate - there's always tomorrow!  Now there's a real Australia Day celebration!  Here's the scoop on the dish:


Honey and brie lamb "pops"
Makes 8 "pops"

Ingredients:
1 rack of lamb, separated into chops
salt and freshly ground pepper
3-4 ounces King Island Dairy Seal Bay Triple Cream Brie or preferred cheese
3 tablespoons Tasmanian Leatherwood honey
Olive oil, for cooking

Preheat oven to 375F.

Using a sharp knife, make a pocket in each lamb chop cutting horizontally toward the bone and season to taste. Place a piece of the cheese in the pocket, leaving 1/2 inch edge so the cheese doesn't ooze out.

Preheat a grill or ovenproof pan and add a thin layer of olive oil.  Add the chops, and cook 2-3 minutes each side, just to brown. Brush both sides with the honey, transfer to a lined oven tray and bake for 5-6 minutes or until cooked as preferred, and the honey is caramelised.

Serve on a bed of leaves such as rocket (arugula), or try with cous cous, orzo or farro for a full meal.