Step aside, bunny. As much as we love your chocolate eggs, Easter is a lamb day, and we at Aussie Beef & Lamb are ready to own it! Sure, it’s a day of family and celebration, and often big gatherings around the table with kids, grandparents and in-laws. And while it may be a little more formal than your average affair, that doesn’t mean you have to spend all day slaving in the kitchen to turn out an impressive spread. We talked to world-class caterer Renee Scharoff of Blonde on the Run catering in Boston, MA for some of her tips and favorite Aussie lamb dishes to set the Easter holiday table with ease and style.
Q: Aside from tradition, what makes Aussie lamb and Easter work well together?
A: Especially here in Boston, it’s definitely not grilling weather yet, so low and slow in the oven is a good place to start. Roasted or braised lamb is always impressive, too — it has a special-occasion feel, even though it’s actually really easy to prepare. That’s another great thing about cooking low and slow. You can make it the night before, or “set it and forget it” in the oven while you take care of other details.
Q: What are some keys to a successful dinner party or celebration meal?
A: I have a fashion background, so I am always interested in the visual elements and making the table look pretty. I want great color along with great flavor, and bright and fresh works both visually and on the palate. We all eat with our eyes first!
Q: What are some of your favorite lamb dishes for Easter entertaining?
A: My lamb shank bourguignon is always a winner — it has the (other) holy trinity of bacon, lamb and wine, which is pretty much unbeatable. You can also make it the day before, which makes for a stress-free day of service. I think it actually tastes better the next day!
A little less traditional is my cardamom-spiced leg of lamb. It’s wonderfully fragrant with cloves, cardamom and cinnamon, and is very showy on the carving board. But it’s also very easy to put together, and once you put it in the oven, you’re basically done — very hands-off. You want to be spending time with your family, not be locked away in the kitchen.