How to Plan a Lamb Dinner
Lamb remains an elegant main dish that elevates a weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. Some domestic chefs may be intimidated by this richly flavored meat, but lamb offers a wide variety of simple dinner options. Just like the less flavorful chicken breast, lamb can be prepared by roasting, baking, stewing or even barbecuing. Take organized steps to plan out your lamb dinner beforehand to ensure a successful dining experience. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Sort through lamb recipes and choose the cut and preparation for your lamb main dish. For the novice, incorporating lamb into a shepherd's pie or an Irish stew ensures flavorful success. For a classic preparation, choose a recipe for herb-rubbed lamb with mint sauce. Fire up your grill to make a grilled rack of lamb marinated in pinot noir.
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Choose your side dishes to compliment your lamb main dish. Appetizers and dessert are optional, but preferred. Allow your lamb to shine and avoid muddling your dinner with too many side dishes. Choose a simple arugula and bitter greens salad paired with a feta and garlic orzo salad. For a summer party, plan a citrus salad and a pine nut rice pilaf to accompany your lamb. Mashed potatoes and sweet peas provide a classic pairing.
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Write down a list of all the food items needed for your lamb dinner, including the beverages, side dishes, appetizers and dessert. Take into account the number of guests to ensure you prepare enough food.
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Grocery shop for all of the food items on your list 1 to 2 days before the designated night to ensure freshness. Perform as much prep work the night before as possible to cut down on time in the kitchen the day of the meal.
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Prepare a schedule for the day of your meal. Figure out how long each element of your lamb dinner will take to prepare and cook. Allow a 15-minute window in your schedule just in case something unexpected occurs.
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Tips & Warnings
When cooking for guests, never try a recipe for the first time. Use only tried-and-true recipes.
Set your table a day in advance or the morning of, if possible, so you may concentrate only on food preparation for the hours preceding the dinner.
References
Resources
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