There were just 4 ingredients - one rack of lamb, one zucchini, 6 small potatoes, one bottle of 2001 Italian red wine. Well actually there are a few more ingredients to this meal - the fact that we celebrate our wedding anniversary every 6 months! Why not!? Do we need an ‘excuse’ for a celebration meal? One would hope not!!
Much has been written on the connection between food and celebration - regardless of religious or cultural background. While I continue to research this area, I find myself yearning to pay more attention to the times of celebration we make in our daily life.
Rack of lamb is always a treat and one cut of meat we don’t buy very often. It is really easy to prepare though. Set your oven at 425F. Season the lamb with salt and pepper. Use a fry pan that can go into the oven. Heat the pan so it is nice and hot, add a touch of oil and then put your lamb in, browning it on all sides. Set it aside on a cookie rack and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Now brush it with Dijon mustard. If you have some fresh herbs chop them finely and set them aside. Put the lamb into the oven for about 15 minutes. Take it out and press the herbs into it. Continue to cook for about another 10 minutes (check to see how pink it is and if it is too pink for your taste, cook for a bit longer so it is how you want it). Cut the ribs apart for serving.
For my roast potatoes I peel and quarter them. Steam them for about 5 minutes, or microwave them for about 6 minutes. Roll them in olive oil and a touch of butter. Season with salt and pepper, a touch of nutmeg and oregano. You can also add fresh thyme or rosemary if you like. Roast them at 425 for about 40 minutes till they are golden brown.
My maternal grandmother often cooked us zucchini that came fresh from her garden and it is a kind of comfort food for me. I love it sliced, sauted in a touch of butter and seasoned with salt, pepper and oregano.
Plate with the roasted potatoes in the middle of the plate, place zucchini medallions round the edge of the plate and then stack the lamb chops round your potatoes.
Then…..ahhhh enjoy! Light the candles, pour the wine and enjoy the simple flavours of your feast with whoever you choose to invite to the table.
