Family Features) Spring is full of celebrations and rich traditions that bring the family around the table for special meals. A savory leg of lamb or a dish with succulent lamb loin chops is a delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal, no matter the occasion.

American lamb pairs beautifully with a variety of wines. Wineries such as Kendall-Jackson have a wide selection of wines that bring out lamb's mild, meaty flavor and make it even more irresistible.

Tips for Roasting Lamb

-A bone-in leg of lamb cooks faster than a boneless leg of lamb. Use a good meat thermometer to determine doneness:
Rare 135°F
Medium Rare 145°F
Medium160°F

-You can sear the lamb roast first in a hot 450°F oven for 15 minutes to seal in the juices and then reduce oven temp to 325°F and continue roasting for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 5 to 10 degrees less than your desired temperature.

-Remove roast from oven and let rest for 20 minutes before serving. This allows the meat's juices to settle and make carving easier. (As the meat rests, the internal temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees.)

-Carve the roast against the grain so the meat will be tender. A naturally tender cut like leg should be sliced about one half inch thick.

Choosing the Right Wine

-COMPLEMENT. Similarly flavored foods and wines complement each other.
Example: Citrus-based sauce and a lemony, lightly oaked Chardonnay (such as Kendall-Jackson Avant Chardonnay or Chablis from the Burgundy region of France).
Example: Mushrooms with the earthy flavors of Pinot Noir.

-CONTRAST. Contrasting flavors balance each other.
Example: Spicy foods and sweet wines, such as Thai food and an off-dry Riesling.
Example: Salty foods and crisp, high-acid wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Champagne.

-MATCH the TENOR. Match a food's weight and intensity to similar elements in wine.
Example: Delicately flavored foods call for delicate varieties of wine, such as Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc.
Example: Weighty textures and intense flavors are a better match for more powerful wines, such as matching herb-crusted roast lamb with a robust Syrah or Merlot.

To learn more about food and wine pairings, visit www.kj.com.

Roasted Leg of American Lamb

Serves 8
Serve with Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Merlot.

• 1 boneless leg of lamb, approximately 6 pounds

For the marinade:

• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 lemons, zested
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 bunch parsley, chopped
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup kosher salt

1. In small bowl, combine all ingredients. Rub mixture on leg of lamb. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate overnight.
2. Bring lamb to room temperature and sprinkle with salt. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into center of leg reads 125°F to 130°F. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and allow to rest for 20 minutes.

American Lamb Sandwich with Tzatziki Sauce

• Leftover roasted leg of lamb

For tzatziki sauce:

• 1/2 English cucumber, peeled, cut in half and seeded
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint
• 8 ounces Greek yogurt
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

1. Grate cucumber with a box grater. Place grated cucumber in a strainer, sprinkle with salt and allow to drain for 20 minutes.
2. In a bowl, add dill, mint, yogurt, garlic and lemon juice. Squeeze as much liquid from cucumber as possible and add cucumber to the yogurt. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. To serve: Fill warm flatbread or pita with sliced leftover leg of lamb, thinly sliced tomatoes and cucumbers and chilled tzatziki sauce.

Fresh Mint and Garlic Marinated Grilled American Lamb Loin Chops
with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Green Beans

Serves 4
Serve with Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Syrah.

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1/2 bunch parsley leaves, chopped
• 1/2 bunch mint leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 lamb loin chops

1. In bowl, add garlic, shallot, herbs, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Whisk to combine.
2. Place lamb chops into a bowl and add 3/4 cup of marinade (reserve remaining marinade for sauce). Mix to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill lamb to desired temperature (medium-rare is recommended). Remove from heat and allow the lamb chops to rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle chops with the reserved mint and garlic sauce. Serve with roasted potatoes and green beans.

For potatoes:

• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
• 1 1/2 pounds fingerling potatoes, cut in half lengthwise
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Place a sheet pan in the oven and preheat to 425°F.
2. In a bowl, combine 1/8 cup of olive oil and remaining ingredients. Toss to coat potatoes.
3. Pour 1/8 cup olive oil onto hot sheet pan and allow to heat for 1 minute. Place potatoes onto hot sheet pan and roast for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately.

For green beans:

• Kosher salt
• 1/2 pound green beans, stems removed
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Freshly ground black pepper

1. In large pot, add 1 tablespoon salt and 2 quarts water; bring to a boil. Add green beans and cook until tender, approximately 4 minutes.
2. Remove beans from water, place into bowl with butter and toss to coat. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Recipes courtesy of Kendall-Jackson Executive Chef Justin Wangler

Source: The American Lamb Board / Kendall-Jackson

(Family Features) Holiday meals are all about creating memories with loved ones at the family table. One way to make those special moments truly stand out is to fill your table with delicious recipes and the perfect wine pairings to help make the meal unforgettable.

Begin the dining experience with a perfect light bite like scallops to tease the taste buds. Try pairing this starter with a versatile option from an established producer like Louis Jadot Mâcon-Villages (SRP: $14.99) – which shows floral, apple and citrus aromas and flavors – to help bring out the distinct flavor profile. Choosing wines from an established producer is one way to help ensure you will select crowd-pleasing wines. For example, Jadot – one of the most trusted names in Burgundy – offers consistency and quality at an affordable price point.

“The scallops and truffles complement the wine’s crisp, bright and refreshing fruit finish beautifully,” said Allison Fasano, resident chef at Urbani Truffles. “The light citrus notes awaken the flavors of the scallops. The beurre blanc is buttery, and the earthiness of the truffles throughout makes for a perfect match with the wine.”

A hearty main course like Beef Tenderloin with Truffles alongside Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages (SRP: $13.99) – a crisp, fruit-forward, juicy wine with expressive aromas and flavors of ripe red berries – can help fulfill guests’ desires for a savory meal. 

Find more affordable, versatile wines to pair with holiday recipes at Facebook.com/LoveJadot.

Beef Tenderloin with Truffles

(Filetto Di Manzo con Tartufo)
Recipe courtesy of Allison Fasano, Urbani Truffles resident chef

• 1          center-cut beef tenderloin, about 3 pounds
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 4          tablespoons olive oil 
• 1          teaspoon cornstarch (optional) 
• 1/2       ounce Urbani Black Truffles
• 2          cloves garlic, minced
• 1          carrot, diced
• 1          stalk celery, diced
• 1          white onion, diced
• 2          sprigs rosemary
• 2          bay leaves
• 3          sage leaves
• 2          tablespoons Urbani Truffle Butter
• 2          cups dry wine, divided 
• 2          shallots
• 1          cup beef stock

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Season beef on all sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat skillet or pan to high with olive oil; add beef and sear all sides, about 3-4 minutes on each side, until brown and crust forms.
3. Remove beef from pan and let rest. Add cornstarch, truffles, garlic, carrot, celery, onion, rosemary, bay leaves and sage leaves to skillet and lower heat to medium-low. Allow to cook 10-15 minutes, or until vegetables are soft. Add beef back to skillet.
4. Deglaze skillet with 1 cup wine, scraping up brown bits from bottom of pan.
5. Place skillet in oven to allow beef to finish cooking at desired temperature.
6. While tenderloin is roasting, in saucepan over medium heat, melt truffle butter. Add shallots and saute until softened and lightly golden, 8-10 minutes. Add remaining wine and simmer until almost completely reduced. Add stock and simmer until it reduces and thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove sauce from heat and season with salt and pepper.

Source: Kobrand Importers