Rack of Lamb

Growing up in New England, we had lamb quite often, from leg of lamb and lamb chops, to rack of lamb. It's a nice alternative to beef, and has a wonderful taste. Some people believe lamb has a "gamey" taste, and that is not true at all if you buy a good piece of lamb. It should not smell or have any gamey taste.

I personally really like supporting our local farms and buy our lamb often from them. You get to know the farmer, it's a superior product, and you are keeping your dollars local when you shop local. To me it's always a "win-win" and you simply can't beat the freshness when you support local.

If buying lamb from a local farm is not available to you, finding and buying lamb is easy; it’s widely available at grocery stores, specialty food retailers and butcher shops. Look for American lamb with a soft pink to red coloring with white marbling. Most likely, fresh chops, steaks and racks are displayed, but if you don’t see lamb, just ask.

LAMB NUTRITION FACTS

• Forty percent of the fat in lean cuts of lamb is monounsaturated, the same kind of fat found in olive oil.
• A 3-ounce serving of lamb provides nearly five times the essential omega-3 fatty acids and alpha linoleic acid of a 3-ounce serving of beef. Three ounces of lamb fits easily within the daily fat, saturated fat and cholesterol recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
• On average, 3-ounces of lamb fits easily within the daily fat, saturated fat and cholesterol recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
• On average, 3-ounce serving of lamb meets the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) definition for lean meat:  fewer than 10 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat, and 95 milligrams of cholesterol per 100 grams, or 3.5 ounces.
• Recent research suggests that eating protein can help preserve lean body mass when you’re trying to lose weight. An average 3-ounce serving of lamb, which has 175 calories and meets nearly half of your daily protein needs, encourages feelings of fullness that may prevent overeating, a combination key to weight management.
• No artificial or synthetic growth hormones are used in lamb production in the U.S. Lean, satisfying, nutritious: American Lamb is nutritious and satisfying.

RECIPE
Ingredients

1 Rack of Lamb

1 tsp fresh minced rosemary

1 tsp minced garlic

salt and pepper

Method

In a small bowl, mix herbs and spices. Rub all over rack of lamb and place rack on a pre-heated grill over indirect medium heat.

Grill meat side down 7-10 minutes, turn to rack side down, and grill 10-15 additional minutes or until the internal temperature is 145 degrees.

Remove from grill, let rest 5 minutes before serving. Slice rack into individual chops, or 2 chops each and serve while hot.

Mmmm mmmm finger licking good!!

Lamb safe cooking temperatures

Enjoy,

Mary

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