Jamie Oliver - Forums / Lamb Rack catering help

MattCook · Thu 21 Feb 13 3:56am

Hi everyone.

My sister recently got engaged and I was silly enough to put my hand up for catering the engagement party yikes . I'm just wondering if anyone can provide some tips on how to have lamb racks prepped and ready pop into the oven when its time. Can I brown them ahead of time? or do I run the risk of overcooking them as they would rest too long?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated big_smile

Maree · Thu 21 Feb 13 9:00am

Hi Matt. How many are you catering for?

Personally, I wouldn't risk par-cooking in advance for the reason you give. Do you have to have lamb racks (or any similar dish)? Difficult to cook for a crowd. That's why catered events tend to be finger food/canap�s or "stewed stuff". More easily managed in advance.

What facilities do you have available? Will you have help in the kitchen?

I haven't been much practical help but I hope I've given you "food for thought".

Hope it turns out for you (and your sister) crossed smile

MattCook · Thu 21 Feb 13 10:30am

Thanks Marree smile

There are 75 invited but i'm sure all wont attend and there are 2 other dishes on the menu (butter chicken and lasagne) all the meals were picked because they are my sister and parters favourite meals. The trouble is all the RSVP's so far are coming back with the lamb rack selected (minus a few) so i just want to prepare for the worst haha.

As for help I will have my dad and girlfriend in the kitchen too. The engagement is at my parents house but they have 2 big ovens plus another smaller one and plenty of stove top space so we should hopefully manage a mad rush of lamb racks.. hopefully being the key word smile

Maree · Thu 21 Feb 13 12:54pm

Are you intending to seal the lamb on the stove top and finish in the oven?

Again, hope it goes well.

Good luck thumbsup

MattCook · Fri 22 Feb 13 12:08am

That is the plan smile

Thanks big_smile

I'll let you know how it all turns out crossed

Maree · Fri 22 Feb 13 2:36am

Look forward to hearing about your success, Matt smile

sergio1972 · Fri 22 Feb 13 10:26pm

Hi Mattcook, I dont want to discourage you in such an important day, but even if only 60 people show up and with 3 in the kitchen, that means each of you will be preparing 20 portions at once...
Not to mention cooking times. Unlike lasagna and chicken, rack of lamb - to be properly served - is one of those dishes where people actually choose rare, medium or well done. And some wont eat well done (like me) and some wont eat rare. So how will you know everbody's preferences?
I admire your courage and most of all hope you do well, but I certainly wouldnt run that risk...
thumbsup

Maree · Fri 22 Feb 13 11:15pm

Hi Sergio, that is the opinion I have, too. I rarely (no pun intended) eat meat but when I do, it must be rare (blue, preferably) or I can't eat it.

I wish Matt all the luck but I wouldn't (and don't) cook such cuts of meat for a crowd. It becomes too unwieldy.

MattCook · Mon 15 Apr 13 6:06am

Well the engagement party was on Saturday night. And I'm glad to say the catering went extremely well. I managed to slow cook the lamb rack so it was nice and tender but not pink to cater for everyone and they all seemed to enjoy it (or at least said they did)
Thanks for the advice smile

big_smile

Maree · Mon 15 Apr 13 6:26am

Glad it went well, Matt smile .

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forum: Food, Wine and Gardening

#1 Thu 21 Feb 13 3:56am

MattCook

Lamb Rack catering help

#2 Thu 21 Feb 13 9:00am

Maree

Re: Lamb Rack catering help

#3 Thu 21 Feb 13 10:30am

MattCook

Re: Lamb Rack catering help

#4 Thu 21 Feb 13 12:54pm

Maree

Re: Lamb Rack catering help

#5 Fri 22 Feb 13 12:08am

MattCook

Re: Lamb Rack catering help

#6 Fri 22 Feb 13 2:36am

Maree

Re: Lamb Rack catering help

#7 Fri 22 Feb 13 10:26pm

sergio1972

Re: Lamb Rack catering help

#8 Fri 22 Feb 13 11:15pm

Maree

Re: Lamb Rack catering help

#9 Mon 15 Apr 13 6:06am

MattCook

Re: Lamb Rack catering help

#10 Mon 15 Apr 13 6:26am

Maree

Re: Lamb Rack catering help