Springtime Celebrations

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

Place a sheet pan in the oven and preheat to 425°F.

In a bowl, combine 1/8 cup of olive oil and remaining ingredients. Toss to coat potatoes.Prepare a trench for runner beans or climbing French beans."Shrimp lovers don't need to crash a fancy party to enjoy premium, seasoned-to-perfection shrimp," said David Ovens, Chief Marketing Officer, Taco Bell Corp., Irvine, Calif. "That's why we've re-introduced the Pacific Shrimp Taco while adding the NEW Pacific Shrimp Burrito -- giving them quality taste at an incredible value that you can only find at Taco Bell."Taco Bell Corp. ("Taco Bell"), a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., (NYSE: YUM), is the nation's leading Mexican-style quick service restaurant chain. Taco Bell serves tacos, burritos, signature quesadillas, Grilled Stuft Burritos, nachos, and other specialty items such as Crunchwrap Supreme®, in addition to the Why Pay More!® Value Menu. Taco Bell serves more than 36.8 million consumers each week in nearly 5,600 restaurants in the U.S.-- 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.Drizzle chops with the reserved mint and garlic sauce. Serve with roasted potatoes and green beans.-- 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 Medium 160°FPrick out and pot on seedlings ans d young plants of any flowers you've sown earlier this year.About Taco Bell Corp.IRVINE, Calif. -- It’s no longer just about who you know – but knowing where to go. Starting this week, everyday foodies craving succulent shrimp can look past the nearest yacht party or invite-only gala, and turn to Taco Bell® for its Pacific Shrimp Taco and NEW Pacific Shrimp Burrito. Filled with tasty ingredients and shrimp marinated with chipotle seasonings, the limited-time menu items will satisfy mouth-watering hunger for shrimp – all while offering red-carpet taste for less green.For more information about the Pacific Shrimp Taco and Burrito, visit www.tacobell.com.-- 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.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, Kendall-Jackson offers a detailed food and wine pairings list.-- Carve the lamb roast against the grain so the meat will be tender. A naturally tender leg of lamb cut should be sliced about one half inch thick.* Plant out sweet peas sown earlier as soon as the soil is not too cold and wet. * Sow tender perennials to create pretty displays this summer.In bowl, add garlic, shallot, herbs, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Whisk to combine. 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.

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.Support herbaceous perennials with twiggy pea sticks.Most water garden specialists also sell bags of special aquatic compost.Roasted Leg of American Lamb Serves 8 Serve with Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Merlot .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.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. 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 .To serve: Fill warm flatbread or pita with sliced leftover leg of lamb, thinly sliced tomatoes and cucumbers and chilled tzatziki sauce.

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