Leg of Lamb
I know I have mentioned my wonderful neighbors a few times in my posts. They are kind, caring, and a pleasure to be able to call friends! They are part of what makes living here a pleasure. We are quite a distance from the store and on many occasion we have visited the "store" next door. My pantry is hers and hers is mine. Many a dish has been saved because my neighbor was home at just the right time! We have shared many stories...both sad and funny. We have supported one another during family illnesses and our own! We are fortunate to live next door to one another.When we first met them her husband said.."she's Armenian and she's a fantastic cook! You will love her food. She was featured in the local newspaper for her cooking!" He was so proud. He was so right!!
As we talked I realized that she and I had gone to Sunday School together and that her mom had been my Sunday School teacher! It is a small world. Actually, our mom's were both teachers in the class. We were both amazed to make this discovery. It has been a long time since we were five!
We were guests at their home for dinner recently. We were served the most wonderful leg of lamb. I have never prepared lamb and am really just learning to appreciate it, so it is always nice to be invited where it is being served!
My neighbor was kind enough to send me her recipe so that I could share it with all of you. She said that this was the first time she had tried this recipe. It is a keeper! I might even be tempted to give it a try!She got the recipe from a book that she has been reading. It looks interesting and is one that I will be getting so that I can enjoy the cute stories and tempting recipes from Somebody is ging to die if Lilly Beth doesn't catch that bouquet: The Official Southern Ladies' Guide to Hosting the Perfect Wedding.
Leg of Lamb
Serves 8 to 10
7 lb leg of lamb
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
Grated zest of two lemons
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped parsley
2 Tbsp dried oregano
1 Tbsp sea salt
2 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 or 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
The day before serving, combine lemon juice and olive oil. Add the lemon zest, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until incorporated.
Score the lamb and pour the marinade into the cuts. Put the rosemary sprigs on top of the lamb, cover the container, and marinate overnight.Bring the lamb to room temperature and grill until pink. Remember that the meat will continue to cook when taken off the fire. Do not overcook! Lamb is better when closer to the rare/pink side. When overcooked, it is tough and tasteless.
Third Generation Mint Sauce
Makes 1-1/2 cups
1 jar (12 oz) red currant jelly
2 Tbsp finely mined mint leaves
1 Tbsp freshly grated orange rind
Melt the currant jelly over low heat. Add the mint leaves and the orange rind. Allow to sit until cool. Then refrigerate until serving time, overnight if possible.
PRINTABLE RECIPE
It was a wonderful evening with our neighbors, our friends!
I am submitting Leg of Lamb for Foodie Friday hosted by Michael at Designs by Gollum! Stop by to see all of the wonderful dishes that the bloggers are posting today!
We love leg of lamb but alas, have it only in the spring or when we have company -- your mint jelly looks interesting -- we usually have a mint sauce for ours but I think I may try yours next time -- love the currant jelly and orange with the mint!
ReplyDeleteGoo neighbors are wonderful to have! Nice post.
ReplyDelete:)
ButterYum
I love the way you steeped the lamb in herbs--and the grilling looks delicious. Bandwith and I were just talking about grilled lamb. It's hard to find in our town, but I will speak to the butcher at Kroger and see if he can't order it.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
Oh, yes! I love lamb. It has the most wonderful gamey flavor. This looks amazing--cooked to perfection!
ReplyDeleteI love the story about your neighbor. It's a small world, isn't it?
Lamb is one of our favorites, especially grilled. Lovely post. And thanks for stopping by. Jane F.
ReplyDeleteLamb is a favorite of ours and your recipe for a leg of lamb is just wonderful. I usually make ours with a coffee sauce. I do, however, love it served with mint is some form as well. Your photos are terrific.
ReplyDeleteYou must not be Irish. We had leg of lamb every week! Never rare though...I only like it once in awhile..butterflied on the grill.
ReplyDeleteI guess having it all the time as a child was enough..and then the leftovers. :(
Yours looks wonderful!
That first pic of the lamb really is enticing! I have never made leg of lamb and usually order it out. I think I'll give this a try next time I have a group. The story of your neighbors is great. I do the same with my next door neighbor. We go way back, but not quite to 5 years old!!
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