Lamb Brochettes

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Cut roasting-quality lamb, such as leg or loin, into 1 1/2-inch chunks. You may wish to marinate them for several hours or overnight, as suggested below; otherwise, season and oil the meat. Thread onto skewers, alternating each piece with a square of blanched bacon (see page 60) and a piece of imported bay leaf. Arrange on an oiled broiling pan or in a hinged rack. Broil 2 inches from heat, turning every 2 minutes for several minutes, until the meat is just springy to the touch.

2. Herb and Lemon Marinade for Lamb or Beef

   Step 2

   Here is a basic formula that you may vary as you wish. For every 2 pounds of meat, mix the following in a bowl: 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon ground rosemary, thyme, oregano, or Provençal herbs (see page 44), 2 large cloves puréed garlic, and 1/4 cup vegetable oil.

3. Oils—For Cooking, Flavoring, and Salads

   Step 3

   Use fresh-tasting, neutral-flavored oils for cooking, such as light olive, canola, or other vegetable oils. Olive oils for flavoring and salads can be mild or fruity, and since they have become a status symbol, you can pay enormous prices for some of those labeled “extra virgin.” Test them out yourself to find the brand or brands that suit you.

4. Note

   Step 4

   “EVOO” is contemporary cook talk for “extra virgin olive oil.”