So, I was waiting for a flu shot at my local Publix Super Market pharmacy when I happened to spot a recipe booklet sitting on the counter titled, “A Collection of Recipes to Supplement a Healthy Lifestyle.” With ten “better for you” main course recipes to choose from, all accompanied by full-color photographs, each recipe appeared as enticing as the next, but it was the Grilled Lamb with Blackberry-Black Pepper Sauce I would try for dinner. Moreover, in addition to the book’s good-looking images, I found the way in which the recipes were presented helpful, too. Each recipe includes a “shopping list” broken down according to the various departments found in the store, such as “meat,” “produce” and “dry grocery.”

By this time, I had gotten my shot, so off through the store I went, picking up the plumpest blackberries I had seen all season and two pounds worth of lamb shoulder chops that happened to be on sale. Just about every other ingredient needed for the recipe I already had at home, except for some fresh vegetables to be served as sides. With a good supply of attractive asparagus to be had, I picked up a generous handful for the evening meal, along with a few potatoes for making pan-fried potatoes to complete the dish. Instead of an early fall meal, between the lamb and the fresh asparagus, supper would taste of spring – and deliciously so. I’ve got many fall meals on the burner for you, but for at least another week, until the first day of autumn on September 23, let’s eat like it’s spring and grill like it’s summer.