COOKING RACK RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450. Put a large frying pan over high heat until very hot. Rub lamb with 1 tablespoon of the oil, season aggressively with salt and pepper and then sear the meat in the pan until it is golden brown all over, approximately 4 minutes a side. Place on a rimmed baking sheet, and let rest for 20 or 30 minutes, until cool.
• In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, cheese and parsley. Rub the cooled-off lamb with the remaining olive oil, then pat the seasoned bread crumbs all over the meat in an even layer.
• Put the lamb back on the baking sheet, and roast until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 120 degrees, approximately 20 to 30 minutes. (Tent the lamb with foil if the crust threatens to get too dark at the end.) Remove the lamb from the oven, and allow to stand, covered loosely in foil, for 10 minutes or so. (The internal temperature will rise to 125 degrees, or medium-rare, while the lamb sits.) Carve into chops, and serve on a warmed platter.

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Season lamb generously with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together Dijon mustard, garlic and anchovy (or pound together in a mortar for a smoother texture). Stir in 3 tablespoons olive oil. Smear lamb all over with marinade and set aside.
• Meanwhile, boil potatoes until the tip of a paring knife meets no resistance, 10 to 15 minutes depending on size. When potatoes are done, drain, transfer to a roasting pan large enough to hold them in a single layer, and set aside to cool.
• Heat oven to 400 degrees. With palms or the back of a wooden spoon, crush potatoes gently to crack open and slightly flatten. Sprinkle with salt, drizzle with about 2 tablespoons olive oil, and turn to lightly coat.
• Lay lamb racks on top of potatoes, with bones curving downward. Scatter rosemary over meat and potatoes. Roast, uncovered, until a meat thermometer registers 125 degrees (for medium-rare), about 20 minutes. (Cook to 135 degrees for medium.)
• Remove lamb to a cutting board and let rest, tented with foil. Return potatoes to oven and leave to roast 10 to 15 minutes more, until nicely crisped.
• Use a large chef's knife to slice the racks by cutting between the bones. (One rack will yield 4 thick chops or 8 thin ones). Transfer chops and potatoes to a warm platter, sprinkle with parsley and serve.