Skip to main content

GreaterUpperValley.com

Hop Into Easter Dinner

Mar 26, 2018 04:30AM ● By Family Features
Sponsored Content

This Easter holiday, hop into a new tradition and swap your classic ham for savory lamb.

Cooking lamb can be easier than many might think. Simply try baking a rack of lamb crusted with a quinoa-hazelnut combination and topped with a mint pesto.

For a perfect, set-and-forget side, try slow cooker carrots, sprinkled with dill weed and lemon extract for a delightful spring dish.

Find more Easter recipes at McCormick.com and find McCormick Spice on Facebook and Pinterest.

Rack of Lamb with Quinoa-Hazelnut Crust and Mint Pesto

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

  • 2          tablespoons red quinoa
  • 2          tablespoons white quinoa
  • 1/2       cup water
  • 1/4       cup, plus 1 tablespoon, finely chopped toasted hazelnuts, divided
  • 2          racks of lamb, about 1 pound each
  • 3          tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 1/8    teaspoons McCormick Gourmet Sicilian Sea Salt, divided
  • 1/4       teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Organic Black Pepper
  • 2          teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2          tablespoons McCormick Gourmet Organic Mint
  • 1/8       teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Organic Garlic Powder
  • 1          cup plain Greek yogurt
  1. Rinse quinoa; drain well. In small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring quinoa and water to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 13 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Spread cooked quinoa on baking sheet to cool. Stir in 1/4 cup hazelnuts. Set aside.
  2. Heat oven to 450° F. Brush racks of lamb lightly with 1 teaspoon oil. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sea salt and pepper. Coat lamb with quinoa mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Place lamb on roasting rack in foil-lined, shallow roasting pan. Drizzle with 2 teaspoons oil.
  3. Roast 20-25 minutes, or until desired doneness.
  4. To make Mint Pesto: In small bowl, mix remaining oil, remaining hazelnuts, lemon juice, mint, garlic powder and remaining sea salt until well blended. Stir 1 teaspoon pesto into yogurt.
  5. To serve: Carve lamb into chops. Drizzle with remaining pesto. Serve with yogurt sauce.

Lemon Dill Slow Cooker Carrots

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 3-4 hours
Servings: 6

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 2          pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-1-inch chunks
  • 2          tablespoons water
  • 1/2       teaspoon salt
  • 2          tablespoons olive oil
  • 2          teaspoons McCormick Dill Weed
  • 2          teaspoons McCormick Pure Lemon Extract
  • 2          teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1          teaspoon white wine vinegar
  1. Spray inside of 4-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add carrots, water and salt; toss to coat. Cover.
  2. Cook on high 3-4 hours, or until tender.
  3. In small bowl, mix olive oil, dill weed, lemon extract, Dijon mustard and vinegar. Stir into cooked carrots in slow cooker before serving.

Sponsored by McCormick

Like what you're reading? Subscribe to Image's free newsletter to catch every headline