Wondering what to cook this easter? We've assimilated a few recipes that might help add a dose of happiness to your holidays:
Minted crusted rack of lamb
Ingredients
- Fresh mint leaves 1 cup
- Garlic clove sliced 2 nos
- Olive oil 2 tbsp
- Plain bread crumbs ½ cup
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper Powder to taste
- Cayenne Pepper powder 1 tsp
- Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese 1-½ tbsp l Dijion Mustard ¼ cup
- Honey 2 tbsp
- Extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp
- Rice vinegar 2 tsp
- Honey 2 tsp
- Dijion mustard 1 tsp
- Salt and Pepper a pinch
- Rack of lamb, trimmed 1-¼ pound
- Vegetable Oil 1 tsp.
Method
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Cook mint leaves in a pot of boiling water for 10 seconds.
- Transfer mint leaves to a bowl of ice water; soak for 30 seconds, drain and squeeze dry.
- Combine blanched mint with garlic, olive oil, bread crumbs, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend for 20 to 30 seconds until fine and crumbly.
- Transfer mint mixture to a large bowl; stir in Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, set aside.
- Combine 1/4 cup Dijon mustard and 2 tsp honey in a small bowl, set aside.
- Combine extra-virgin olive oil, rice vinegar, 2 tsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a jar with a lid. Shake vinaigrette vigorously until combined, about 30 seconds. Set vinaigrette aside. Slice 1/2 to 1-inch slits between each bone of the lamb racks to assure the meat roasts evenly.
- Season each rack with salt and black pepper on all sides. Heat vegetable oil in skillet over high heat. Brown each lamb rack for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
- Transfer lamb racks to the foil-lined baking sheet. Brush each rack with mustard and honey mixture. Sprinkle mint on top and sides.
- Bake in the preheated oven until browned on top and medium rare in the center, about 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 125 to 130 degrees F (52 to 54 degrees C). Remove from oven and allow lamb to rest for 10 minutes before serving, drizzled with honey mustard vinaigrette.
(Recipe courtesy Chef Vinod Laxman, Executive Sous Chef)
Lemon ricotta ravioli
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
- 15 oz part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- A zest of a lemon, plus for garnish
- Salt and pepper
- 1 egg, whisked in a small bowl with a splash of water
- 5 oz package of won ton wrappers
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 slices prosciutto, chopped
- 3 shallots, chopped
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 8 oz light sour cream
Method
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, drop in the asparagus for 4 minutes until tender, remove and place in a bowl filled with ice and water. Remove and set aside.
In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning.
To make the raviolis: Separate one won ton wrapper and place on a clean surface. Brush the edges lightly with egg wash. Place a heaping tsp ricotta mixture in the middle.
Carefully fold over a corner diagonally. Press down, remove air bubbles. Press edges together. Repeat.
Add shallot cook till soft. Place raviolis in the boiling water.
Add lemon juice to skillet with the shallots and cook for a minute, turn the heat off. Whisk in the sour cream, asparagus, and salt and pepper.
The ravioli is done when it floats. Add to the skillet with the sauce and toss lightly.
Serve immediately sprinkling with a little lemon zest, Parmesan cheese and the crispy prosciutto.
(Recipe courtesy Chef de cuisine Antonella Pancedda)
Did you ever wonder why colorful eggs are connected to the Easter holiday?
Decorating eggs for Easter dates back to at least the 13th century as the religious symbolism of the resurrection of Jesus. The Easter egg is also a byproduct of Lent, as many families would give up eggs during those fast days, which end with Easter. Modern day traditions include a kaleidoscope of designs and thanks to the internet, endless ideas to try.
For those looking to make Easter eggs try these three non-fussy techniques to make your very own personalised Easter eggs:
Tattoo Eggs
Print your egg shells with fake tattoos. Simply stick them on like the way you would do to your own skin. Also colour the eggs in bright shades before you stamp these tattoes on the shells.
Blackboard Eggs
Coat eggs with a layer of chalkboard paint and let your chalk do the talking. Either write messages, draw patterns or try your luck with pictures.
CelloTaped Eggs
Wrap your eggs with metallic, pastel or patterned tape to give them an easy yet quirky look. Also, experiment more by cutting the tape into various shapes.
