Elin Jones AM - Political Chef

It's surprising what advice you can pick up on the Welsh Government's website. Vegetarians look away now.

Minister for Rural Affairs Elin Jones AM has urged people to put Welsh Lamb on their menu over the festive season, perhaps for Boxing Day lunch or a special New Year’s Day dinner.

She said:
Recent months have been tough for the industry, particularly lamb farmers, as Foot and Mouth restrictions overshadowed the peak trading season. There is now a surplus of lamb on the market which is where consumers come in; by buying Welsh Lamb we really can help the industry get back to full strength.

Choosing Welsh Lamb is by no means a selfless act for me – I can think of no better way to celebrate this time of year than with delicious Welsh Lamb.

Remember, make sure the lamb you buy is Welsh by checking the label or asking your butcher – that way you know you’re helping Welsh farmers and getting some of the best quality meat available.

Try a classic roast leg with garlic and rosemary or if you are in the mood for something more experimental have a go at the recipe below from the True Taste website. For more recipes go to http://www.walesthetruetaste.com/index.cfm/en3200

Notes
Chargrilled Welsh Lamb Steak With Laverbread Citrus Sauce, serves 4

Ingredients
4 Welsh leg of lamb steaks
1 tablespoon oil
3 tablespoons of fresh laverbread
juice of one orange
juice of half a lemon
100ml lamb or vegetable stock
salt and black pepper

Method
Season the steaks, heat a griddle pan and pour in the oil. Cook the steaks until brown on both sides then turn down the heat and continue cooking until the meat is to your liking.Remove the meat and keep warm while you prepare the sauce. De-glaze the pan with the stock, scraping off all the sediment, then add the laverbread and orange juice. Bring to the boil and reduce to thicken slightly, taste before adding the lemon juice and seasoning.You should not need to add salt as the laverbread is quite salty. Pour the laverbread and citrus sauce over the lamb steaks and serve with fluffy mashed potatoes.

We're not all domestic goddess' like yourself Elin. She'll be telling us next that as a farmer's daughter she'll be only too happy to come round and slaughter the little bleater for you.

Welsh Assembly Government - Every Minister Helps [at Christmas]