Rack of Lamb with Toasted Hazelnut Butter

Nut Allergy Alert. To serve to fewer people, roast only 2 racks of lamb. Cut the mustard and salt in half. Freeze the remaining hazelnut butter for another time to use with more lamb, steamed green beans or asparagus. Prep. time includes 1 hour refrigeration to harden hazelnut butter.This recipe is also delicious cooked on outdoor grill. Ensure your coals are medium hot, and gas grill hot. Preheat shallow pan on grill, as well. Then follow roasting recipe as described. Serve with a Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz.

• Ready In: 1 hr 45 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 4  lamb racks
• 3⁄4 cup hazelnuts
• 1⁄3 cup butter
• 1  pinch  hot pepper flakes
• 1⁄4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1  teaspoon coarse salt

Directions

1. Preheat Oven to 450 degrees F (230C).
2. Toast hazelnuts in dry, heavy skillet for 5 to 8 minutes or until they become fragrant.
3. Place in clean towel and rub to remove some of the skins.
4. Puree to smooth paste, in food processor or blender with butter and hot pepper flakes.
5. Form into 1-inch (2. 5 cm) cylinder and wrap in waxed paper.
6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
7. (Freeze for up to 2 months, if making ahead).
8. Set shallow roast pan in preheated oven and allow pan to get hot.
9. Mix mustard with salt and coat lamb well.
10. Place racks in hot pan, fat side up and roast for 10 minutes.
11. Reduce heat to 350F (180C) and roast an additional 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 130F (54C).
12. Transfer to cutting board and let stand, covererd with tent of foil, for about 5 minutes.
13. Carve between ribs and top each chop with slice of hazelnut butter.