Lamb Cutlets Reform

Reform sauce is piquant and deliciously seasoned with herbs and spices. It was invented in the 1830s by Alexis Soyer. At the time he was Chef de Cuisine of the Reform Club in London's Pall Mall, a favourite meeting place for politicians after Parliament. The club still exists with Lamb Cutlets Reform a popular item on the menu.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 8 cutlets

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 ounce butter
• 1  small onion, finely chopped
• 1  medium carrot, finely sliced
• 2  ounces lean ham, cut into thin strips
• 4  tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3  tablespoons port wine
• 20  ounces lamb stock or 20  ounces  chicken stock
• 2  cloves
• 2  mace blades
• 1  bay leaf
• 4  cranberries, crushed
• 1  pinch dried thyme
• 8  lamb cutlets, about 3 oz. each
• 2  ounces  cooked bacon
• 2  ounces  fresh breadcrumbs
• 1  egg, beaten
• 1  tablespoon cornflour
•  parsley, to garnish

Directions

1. To make the Reform sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan, then add the onion, carrot and ham strips and cook gently until just turning brown.
2. Add the vinegar and port and boil rapidly until almost all the liquid evaporates.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and add the stock, cloves, mace, bay leaf, cranberries and thyme.
4. Stir well, return to the heat and bring to the boil.
5. Lower the heat and simmer gently for about 30 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, trim the cutlets to remove most of the surrounding fat.
7. Scrape the bone absolutely clean to within 1 inch of the'eye' of the meat.
8. Mix the minced bacon and breadcrumbs together.
9. Brush each cutlet with beaten egg and coat with the bacon and breadcrumb mixture.
10. Cover and chill until required.
11. Blend the corn flour with about 2 tablespoons of water and add to the sauce.
12. Stir well and bring the sauce to the boil, stirring continuously.
13. Simmer until thickened.
14. Grill the cutlets for about 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
15. Arrange the cutlets on a warmed serving dish and garnish with parsley.
16. Reheat the sauce gently and serve separately.