Grilling Rack of Lamb with Vegetables and More!

We’ve seen Arlene cook outside in all kinds of conditions, but this episode from 2005 may take the cake. Arlene and her friend Greg Antonelli actually get caught in a downpour, and bravely carry on under their tent, grilling up all kinds of delicious things.

The focus is on “platter meals” where you can grill a big thing and serve it to a group. On the menu is grilled rack of lamb with whole grain mustard platter with sautéed red Swiss chard, a grilled vegetable platter, a mozzarella tomato basil salad appetizer, and for dessert, grilled peaches with grilled pound cake and cinnamon caramel sauce. Yum!

Watching this episode, you really have to admire Arlene for not giving up! However, I can also understand how in later years, she opted to do “indoor picnics” instead of braving the elements.

Grilled Rack of Lamb with Whole Grain Mustard Platter

Greg Antonelli

Ingredients
  

  • 4 lamb racks, French cut

Marinade

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp grated lemon peel
  • 6 cloves garlic chopped
  • 2 Tbsp fresh rosemary
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp whole grain mustard
  • 1 tsp fresh ground pepper
  • 1 Tbsp kosher salt

Instructions
 

  • Note: Rack of lamb is a portion of the rib section of a lamb, usually containing 8 ribs. It can also be cut into chops, or served in one piece as a rack, or formed into a crown roast.
  • Wash lamb with cold water, then dry.
  • In a bowl, mix ingredients for marinade, coating lamb well. Place racks in glass dish and cover. Allow to marinate for 6 hours, or overnight in refrigerator.
  • Preheat grill to medium heat. When ready, place lamb on grill; cook to internal temperature for 140 degrees for medium rare. Let lamb set for 5 minutes, then cut into individual chops and arrange on platter with sauteed Swiss chard (recipe follows). Garnish with rosemary sprigs. Makes 6 servings. Enjoy!

Sautéed Red Swiss Chard

These garlicky greens are great with lamb.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bunch red Swiss chard (about 1 lb)
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 Tbs olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Wash Swiss chard, and cut the leaves of the stems. Slice leaves into medium-sized chunks. The stems can be discarded or chopped into small pieces and cooked also.
  • Add oil to saute pan and place over medium-high heat. Add garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes, until softened, lightly browned, but not burned.
  • Add Swiss chard and saute until wilted, 2-3 more minutes, or slightly longer if leaves a bigger and tougher. Makes 6 servings. Enjoy!

Grilled Vegetable Platter

Greg Antonelli
Course Side Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 1 medium eggplant
  • 3 yellow squash
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 yellow bell pepper
  • 1 orange bell pepper
  • 2 portabella mushrooms
  • olive oil
  • 4 heads garlic, roasted
  • chopped parsley
  • 1 French baguette bread sliced diagonally and toasted on grill

Instructions
 

  • Preheat grill to medium high heat. Place a tablespoon of oil on a clean, thick cloth. Carefully grease grill with the oiled cloth to help keep the vegetables from sticking.
  • Slice zucchini and squash lengthwise; eggplant in 1/2 inch slices; and peppers into quarters. The mushrooms should be cut into thicker slices so they will not break apart. Drizzle all vegetables with olive oil. Place on grill and cook until browned on both sides. Arrange on platter and let cool. Garnish with parsley and roasted garlic. Place baguette slices on a platter and serve with roasted garlic. Makes 8 servings. Enjoy!

Appetizer Platter – Fresh Mozzarella Cheese with Tomatoes

Greg Antonelli
Course Salad, Side Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 5 fresh mozzarella balls 4 oz each
  • 5 red tomatoes
  • 1 large bunch fresh basil separated into leaves
  • 1 head red leaf lettuce separated into leaves
  • balsamic vinegar
  • olive oil
  • salt and freshly ground pepper
  • chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • Spread leaf lettuce over platter. Set aside. Slice mozzarella balls and tomatoes into 1/2 inch slices. Layer cheese and tomato slices on basil leaves. Place on platter in a decorative manner. Continue layering until all basil leaves, cheese, and tomatoes are used. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; garnish with parsley. Makes 8 servings. Enjoy!

Grilled Peach Dessert Platter

Greg Antonelli
Course Dessert

Ingredients
  

  • 2 frozen pound cake loaves thawed and cut into 1 inch thick slices
  • 6 ripe peaches halved and pitted
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Heat grill to medium-high heat.
  • Place peaches on grill, cut side down. Allow to cook until grill marks show and fruit is heated through. Place slices of pound cake on grill. They brown quickly, so watch carefully as they toast. Toast one side only.
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter. Add brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon; stir to blend. Cook over medium heat until sauce thickens. To serve, place grilled pound cake slices on platter, grilled side up. Top each slice with a peach half and drizzle cinnamon caramel sauce over top. Makes 8 servings. Enjoy!

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