Lamb Chops with Balsamic Cherry Sauce

4 lamb loin chops

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

salt and pepper to taste

2 ounces goat cheese cut into 4 slices

Balsamic Cherry Sauce:

1 cup dried tart cherries

1 cup balsamic vinegar

½ cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2-3 tablespoons butter (optional)

salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400°F. Rub lamb chops with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Place in a baking pan and bake for 10 minutes. Top each chop with a slice of goat cheese and bake 4 to 5 minutes longer for medium-rare.

To make sauce, combine cherries, vinegar, broth, and brown sugar in a saucepan. Simmer for 15 minutes or until reduced. Stir in butter and season with salt and pepper. Serve over lamp chops.

Yields: 4 servings.

Recipe adapted from Colorado Classique