Cooking for one: herbed-roasted lamb chops and pancetta wrapped asparagus

I have found that herbed-lamb chops is my favorite way to eat chops.  And it is so easy.  I usually add sea salt and whatever mix of dried herbs I like to a mortar and pestle and smash them a bit.  Then rub them on the chops.  I cook the chops in an oven-proof skillet for 3 minutes on each side over high heat, then transfer to a 400 degree F oven and cook for 8-10 minutes (for medium rare).  After they are done, I let them rest before serving.  My favorite part is the beautiful golden crust that the combination of the salt and herbs form.  It is simply stupendous.

 For the saparagus, I just simply wrap them in pancetta and cook on a grill pan for about 10 minutes, keeping an eye on them.  I don't add any oil to the pan because the pancetta provides the necessary oil as it cooks.  Also, I don't cook the heck out of these.  All I am looking for is a crispy pancetta but I like my asparagus "snappy".  This is one of those combinations that just works beautifully.  The pancetta just adds that bit of saltyness that just enhances the otherwise rather bland taste of asparagus. 

And there you have it.  Cooking for one does not have to be boring.  Just a bit of imagination and voila, you have a great meal.  Enjoy!