Modern Spins on Spring Traditions

(Family Features) From Easter to Passover to the Kentucky Derby and beyond, there is a lamb dish for nearly every spring occasion.  

While many traditions rely on lamb as a centerpiece, it doesn’t have to be prepared like grandma’s overcooked, tough and often tasteless roast. Today’s home cooks are forgoing the jar of mint jelly and using fresh mint in pesto and salsas, while serving their lamb medium-rare to preserve its tender juiciness.

If a rack of lamb is your preferred cut for spring celebrations, the American Lamb Board offers six simple steps for the perfect entree. For those who opt for roasting a boneless leg of lamb that is tender and full of flavor, try using these step-by-step instructions for a succulent lamb roast. For a real showstopper, turn off the oven, fire up the grill, butterfly a leg of lamb, season well and grill to desired doneness.

Toss grandma’s jar of mint jelly and brighten up your feasts with fresh condiments like this Mint-Pistachio Pesto or a Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Rosemary Sea Salt. For more tips and spring celebration-worthy recipes, visit americanlamb.com/spring/.

Mint-Pistachio Pesto

Recipe courtesy of the American Lamb Board

• 1          cup shelled, toasted, unsalted pistachios
• 1          cup fresh mint leaves 
• 1/2       cup fresh Italian parsley
• 1/4       cup, plus 2 tablespoons, extra-virgin olive oil
• 2          tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1          tablespoon lemon juice
• 1          teaspoon lemon zest
• sea salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• pinch of red chili flakes

1. In food processor, pulse all ingredients until mixed but still somewhat chunky.  

Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Rosemary Sea Salt

• 1/2       cup coarse sea salt
• 1/4       cup fresh rosemary leaves
• 2 1/2-3   pounds boneless leg of American lamb, trimmed and butterflied
• extra-virgin olive oil
• 2          lemons

1. In food processor, grind salt and rosemary leaves together until mixture is texture of coarse sand.
2. Season lamb generously with rosemary salt, working it into all crevasses; it should take about 2 tablespoons. Set lamb aside at room temperature at least 30 minutes before grilling, or cover and refrigerate up to 2 days.
3. Heat charcoal or gas grill. Pat lamb dry, if needed, and rub lightly with olive oil to coat.
4. Grease grill grates with oil and place lamb on hottest part of grill. Cook with grill covered, turning once, until brown and crusty.
5. Move lamb to cooler part of grill and continue cooking until instant-read thermometer inserted into center registers 130° F for medium-rare, 15-25 minutes total. Transfer lamb to platter, cover with foil and let rest at least 10 minutes before cutting into thick slices against the grain.
6. Halve lemons and brush cut sides lightly with oil. Place cut-side down on grill until deeply charred, 2-3 minutes.
7. Arrange lamb slices on large platter or directly over salad. Serve with charred lemon halves for squeezing and additional rosemary salt.

Elevate Your Easter Feast with Sweet, Simple Ham

(Family Features) For most, it’s not Easter without the classic ham centerpiece. This year, add a flavorful twist to everyone’s favorite holiday main dish with a glaze, chutney or sauce.

Ham pairs well with many flavors, making it easy to create a unique dish every time. From sweet to savory and oh-so succulent, these ham combinations can bring easy elegance and flavor to the table. Serve a decadent ham recipe to ensure your Easter feast is as memorable as it is delicious with a recipe like this Ham with Honey, Fennel and Mustard Glaze.

With this recipe, the traditional ham is now elevated with fresh spring flavors and a crowd-pleasing glaze. Served with bright, seasonal asparagus, this dish brings together unexpected flavors creating a soon-to-be family favorite. 

For more Easter inspiration and ways to transform more or leftover ham into tasty baguettes, crepes, quesadillas and more, visit PorkBeinspired.com.

Ham with Honey, Fennel and Mustard Glaze
Servings: 15

• 1      7- to 8-pound spiral-sliced smoked ham, bone-in
• 6      tablespoons fennel seeds
• 1      cup honey
• 1      cup Dijon-style mustard
• 1      tablespoon pepper
• 3      pounds asparagus, trimmed
• 2      tablespoons olive oil
• 1      teaspoon salt

1. Preheat the oven to 325° F. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven.
2. Meanwhile, use a mortar and pestle or spice grinder to coarsely crush the fennel seeds. Set aside 1 tablespoon, then transfer the remaining fennel to a medium bowl and add the honey, mustard, and pepper. Set 1 1/2 cups of the mixture aside.
3. Place the ham flat side down in a large shallow roasting pan and brush with about 1/2 of the remaining honey-mustard mixture. Roast the ham, basting with the same honey-mustard mixture and pan juices every 25 to 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140° F., 15 to 18 minutes per pound (loosely cover with foil if ham gets too browned). Remove the ham from the oven, transfer to a cutting board, and let rest 15 to 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, add a rack to the upper third of the oven and increase the temperature to 400° F. Arrange the asparagus on two large rimmed baking sheets. Drizzle with the olive oil, sprinkle with salt and reserved fennel seeds, and bake until tender, about 15 minutes.
5. Slice enough ham to serve and arrange on plates or a platter. Serve the asparagus and the reserved honey-mustard mixture on the side.

Hosting and Toasting

Quick, refreshing recipes to entertain without missing the party

(Family Features) Whether you’re hosting a small weekend get-together, a large gathering or anything in between, entertaining friends and family will always provide an opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime. However, no host wants to miss out on the highlights because of an endless to-do list in the kitchen. With the right recipes and refreshments, it’s easy to throw a successful, enjoyable dinner party for both you and your guests.

One way to take the guesswork out of meal planning is by starting with the wine you’re planning to serve and working backwards. Chardonnay is a favorite varietal of many wine lovers, and Edna Valley Vineyard has crafted award-winning, food-friendly Chardonnay from California’s central coast for more than 35 years. Featuring bright layers of white peach and apricot alongside notes of pineapple and brown spice, this white wine is a sure bet to complement a range of dishes and elevate any meal.

One savory example that pairs perfectly with Chardonnay is Grilled Panzanella Salad – a quick and delicious dish that can serve a small group using a few basic ingredients and leftover bread. For a bright, decadent option that holds up well at room temperature, try a side of Orzo with Lemon, Brie and Toasted Pine Nuts. Last but not least, whip up this simple Chicken Thighs and Tomatoes recipe for a hearty entree to round out the meal and complement your wine selection.

Live a life in balance
Particularly during the busiest times of year, finding the right balance is crucial. With all the time spent on work and personal obligations, it is important to remember what matters most – family, friends and the things that make you happy. Here are three ways to prioritize your individual interests and live a life in balance:

• Reconnect with loved ones regularly. Actively schedule quality time with family and friends. Set up a date with your significant other, have lunch to reconnect with a friend or invite a small group over for a glass of Chardonnay on the porch.
• Do something you enjoy. Spending even a few minutes each day to appreciate something that brings you pleasure – whether it’s a good book, gardening or preparing a delicious meal, for example – is an important way to ensure your own interests fit into the balancing act called life.
• Treat yourself. Get a pedicure or facial, schedule a massage or buy a new outfit. It doesn’t need to be costly; a simple glass of wine, cup of your favorite coffee or tea, scented candle or fragrant bouquet can make a big impact.

For more easy entertaining recipes and ideas, visit EdnaValleyVineyard.com.

Festive Fun for St. Patrick’s Day

(Family Features) Turn your St. Patrick’s Day celebration into a chance to enjoy Irish heritage with hearty foods and a lively atmosphere. When it’s the one day each year it’s acceptable to pinch non-conforming friends and family, it’d be a shame not to go all out.

These few simple tips can help you put together the perfect party to revel in all things green – and tasty.

• Decorate with purpose. Everyone knows that green is the color of the day, but go one step further by incorporating it into different items. Banners and streamers work fine, but setting out green candles or even adorning your light fixtures with green bulbs can help you take an extra step forward.
• Create active fun. Instead of limiting your guests to dining and conversation, plan some simple activities to help the fun flow. Games like a “treasure hunt” for gold coins, limerick-writing competitions or even just turning up Irish-themed music can help get the party started.
• Eat festively. Turn your party’s food and drinks into true Irish dining with some delicious recipes like this American Irish Stew, which includes beef, onion, carrots and potatoes for a tasty cultural meal to fill all of your hungry guests.

For more hosting tips and the perfect themed recipes for any occasion, visit culinary.net.

American Irish Stew
Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research
Servings: 6

• 1          tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/4    pounds beef, top round, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 3          cloves garlic, minced
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1          medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 3          medium carrots, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 2          medium parsnips, cut into large chunks (optional)
• 3          cups low-fat, reduced-sodium beef broth
• 4          medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 1          tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1          leek, coarsely chopped
• 2          tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1. In large pot over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add beef and garlic. Cook, gently stirring until meat is evenly browned. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Add onion, carrots and parsnips. Cook 3-4 minutes. Stir in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer about 75 minutes, or until meat is tender.
3. Stir in potatoes and simmer another 30 minutes. Add rosemary and leeks. Continue to simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender. To avoid potatoes falling apart, do not overcook.
4. Serve hot and garnish with parsley, if desired.

Nutritional information per serving: 370 calories, 8 g total fat (2 g saturated fat), 43 g carbohydrate, 32 g protein, 6 g dietary fiber, 427 mg sodium.

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