Dianes Roast Lamb Food

RACK OF LAMB WITH HERB CRUST

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees with rack in center. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Rub lamb with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place in skillet, and sear until golden brown all over (including ends), about 3 minutes per side. Place on a baking sheet. Let stand until cool, about 30 minutes.
• In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, rosemary, garlic, parsley, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Brush lamb with 2 tablespoons Dijon, making sure the entire surface is covered. Pat seasoned breadcrumbs over rack (reserve any remaining breadcrumbs for another use), covering Dijon in an even layer. Return to baking sheet, and roast until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat registers 130 degrees, 20 to 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before carving into individual chops.

DIANE'S ROAST LAMB

Steps:

• Finely chop 8 garlic cloves. In a large shallow pan, combine wine, 1 cup lemon juice, chopped garlic, 2 tablespoons oregano, and 2 tablespoons rosemary; season with salt and pepper. Add lamb, turning to coat. Cover, and marinate in refrigerator overnight.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mortar and pestle, crush 6 garlic cloves and remaining oregano and rosemary. Remove lamb from marinade, and pierce it with a paring knife in 10 to 12 places. Rub garlic mixture over lamb, pushing the mixture into the incisions. Transfer to a large roasting pan, and pour 3 tablespoons olive oil over lamb, rubbing to coat.
• Place potatoes around lamb in roasting pan. Crush remaining 4 garlic cloves, and toss with potatoes. Drizzle remaining 1/4 cup olive oil and remaining cup lemon juice over potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to oven, and roast for 1 hour. Add artichokes to roasting pan, and roast 45 minutes more, basting occasionally with lemon juice. Remove from oven, and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.