I am constantly leaving comments on other people's blogs that say something along the lines of "I'm definitely going to try this!" or "This one is going on my 'must-try' list." But then I get caught up in all of the ideas I've already and never get around to it. So Jack and I resolved to pick at least one recipe from a blog post we've admired each month and re-create and/or re-interpret it.
Last week at the Union Square Greenmarket I lingered over some lovely lambshanks and then passed them by, as I wasn't feeling inspired.That same afternoon I found that Ronell, of MyFrenchKitchen, had just added a mouthwatering post about Lambshanks with Curried Sultana Sauce, and left her a comment stating that I'd trying her recipe soon.
Saturday was our weekly visit to the Greenmarket and we dropped by Catskill Merino and bought two lambshanks. On Sunday I re-interpreted Ronell's recipe for the slow cooker, and instead of rice I served it on couscous, as I feel the flavors are primarily Middle Eastern or Northern African. And we baked a sweet potato, scooping it piping hot from its skin, to go with it.
My photo doesn't do this dish justice, as Ronell's does (do go and have a look!), but we loved the dish. We knew it was going to be something special as soon as those classic, bright spice aromas started to fill the kitchen but the taste exceeded those expectations. Not only was this a subtle, scented delight but the texture of the sauce was seductively suave and silky; the meat had been delicately but not overpoweringly flavoured and it came off the bone with barely a brush of the fork. Superb. Thanks, Ronell!
Well, it certainly looks good from here! (Probably won't be able to try it as lamb is very expensive here..)
Posted by: Manggy | January 22, 2008 at 09:15 AM
This looks great!
Posted by: Sophie | January 22, 2008 at 10:35 AM
This looks absolutely gorgeous and I love the sweet potato with it and to be honest, I prefer couscous, I'm not a rice person...glad you liked it!
Ronell
Posted by: myfrenchkitchen | January 22, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Now, that's an elegant dinner for guests. I'll have to remember this one, Ann.
Posted by: Susan from Food Blogga | January 22, 2008 at 10:56 AM
*cleans drool from keyboard*
I have to stop reading food blogs in class. I also have to find a good butcher in Boston. I have a craving for lamb that is going to spiral out of control if I don't satisfy it soon.
Posted by: Adele | January 22, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Ann, I think the photo looks great and I love the new look of your site! I finally got you added to my sidebar so that I can come and visit much more often - I can't wait to see all that you have in store!!
Posted by: Michelle | January 22, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Not wanting to sound redundant - I'm definitely going to try this :)
Posted by: giz | January 22, 2008 at 02:16 PM
I know exactly what you're talking about with the blog comments---there are just too many delicious blogs out there to keep up with all the cooking! Thanks for the link, I haven't seen Ronell's blog yet! :)
Posted by: clumsy | January 22, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Nice work coming out of your kitchen! Should i stop by for leftovers? haha
Posted by: Zenchef | January 22, 2008 at 10:43 PM
hello ann, i felt the same way when i saw ronels' lambshank with curried sultana sauce..i said "gotta try that too"...looking at your version..i guess i really need to try to do mine too this weekend...have a nice day :-)
Posted by: dhanggit | January 23, 2008 at 03:04 AM
Mmmmm. I can almost smell the aroma and spices from here, yum...
Posted by: Pasticcera | January 24, 2008 at 06:42 AM
Manggy, what a shame! When you visit New York we will have a feast of lamb. :-)
Ronell, thank you for such a great recipe... it really reflected what I've come to think of as your food-art sensibilities.
Susan, do have a look at Ronell's photo for a perfect dinner party presentation. Mine wouldn't stand up like hers did!
Adele, this one is a must-try!
Michelle, nice to see you again! Glad you like the new look and thanks for adding me to your blogroll... I've returned the favor.
giz, ha! Then my work here is done!
clumsy, I am so glad you're checking out MyFrenchKitchen... it's full of treasures.
Zenchef, hell with THAT, I want YOUR left-overs!
dhanggit, I'd love to see your version! Glad you're back to blogging again and that things are looking up.
Pasticcera, this would be perfect on a snowy day (if only we had snow).
Posted by: Ann | January 24, 2008 at 08:25 AM
I know what you mean, I do this all the time. I have such good intentions of making certain recipes I see on blogs, but it doesn't always happen, or I forget where I saw it so life just gets in the way!
Posted by: brilynn | January 24, 2008 at 09:47 PM