creative
cooking
The
Easter lamb
IRIDIO PHOTOGRAPHY
The perfect centerpiece for spring
THERE ARE MANY reasons to celebrate in Orange-and-Apricot Leg of Lamb
April with a special meal with family and
friends. For Christians, Easter, which falls 1 boneless Australian leg of lamb COUSCOUS
on April 16 this year, is the celebration of Grated peel and juice of 3 cups chicken stock the resurrection—of life over death. And 2 large oranges 2 cups pearl (Israeli) couscous
for everybody, April marks the arrival of 8 dried apricots, plumped in hot water, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro finely diced warmth and spring growth in our gardens. or parsley 1 teaspoon ground cardamom Lamb is the perfect choice as the cen- 3 green onions, sliced terpiece of the Easter meal. It’s not too 2 teaspoons ground cumin Grated peel and juice of 1 lemon
heavy, not too light—just like spring itself. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons olive oil
And lamb is versatile, easy to prepare on 2 tablespoons honey, warmed Salt and freshly ground pepper
the grill or in the oven. With its sweet and
mild flavor, this delicate meat can be 1. Trim lamb and cut shallow slashes half an inch apart over the top.
prepared and served in many ways. 2. In a small bowl, combine grated orange peel, apricots, cardamom, cumin,
Featured here is a recipe developed cinnamon and honey; mix well. Massage all over the lamb and into the slashes.
by the Australian Lamb Company, Cover and let stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.
Costco’s lamb supplier. This recipe 3. Preheat oven to 375°F.
appears in our latest cookbook, Creative 4. Place lamb on a rack in a baking dish and roast for 11/2 to 2 hours, or until
Cooking The Costco Way. More lamb internal temperature is 130°F to 135°F for medium-rare, or until cooked as desired. Remove from the oven, cover loosely with foil and let rest for 10 to 15
recipes can be found on costco.com minutes before carving.
under “Costco cookbook,” in the Online 5. Meanwhile, prepare Couscous: Place chicken stock and reserved orange juice in
Edition on costco.com under “Costco a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in couscous, cover, remove from the heat and
magazine” and on page 29 of this issue. let stand for 10 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and the couscous is tender.
One last important note: Fresh 6. Transfer couscous to a bowl and fluff with a fork. Toss with cilantro, green
Australian lamb is naturally raised, low onions, lemon juice and grated peel, and olive oil. Season to taste with salt
in fat and cholesterol, and contains no and pepper.
additives. So your Easter meal can be as 7. Carve the lamb and serve with couscous and a spinach salad, if desired.
fresh and light as the season. Makes 8 servings.
