Color me inspired...this is a week filled with holiday energy...we are celebrating Passover, a birthday, and then Easter. In our house that means that all six burners on the Viking are going full blast and what is coming off that stove is simply divine. First, we begin with a pre-birthday lamb shank dinner...one of the birthday boy's (my husband) favorites. Recipe for lamb shanks...could not be easier. 2 lamb shanks browned in olive oil...remove from pan and add 1 large onion sliced, 6 cloves of garlic and 6 carrots peeled and halved. Saute for a minute or two adding salt, pepper, 1tsp. of thyme and 1 tsp. of cinnamon,and a big sprig of rosemary, then add the shanks back to the pan. Add 1 cup dry red wine, 2 cans of stewed tomatos and 1 cup of water...bring to a boil and then immediately reduce to medium low...cover but leave the lid cracked open a sliver. Cook on medium low for 2 to 3 hours adding a little water if necessary. The shanks are ready when the meat falls off the bone. I serve them over orzo pasta.
One of the reasons I like to make lamb shanks before Passover is because we need the shank for the Seder plate..
a customary plate full of symbols of the holiday.
The table is set with vintage Bennington pottery dishware and flowers from the garden. The little pink flowers in the vase are tiny lilacs and they smell heavenly.
We enjoyed traditional dishes, matzah ball soup, chopped liver, gefilte fish with avocado and horseradish sauce.
The horseradish was grown in our garden, grated with some raw beet and mixed with a little cider vinegar and a half tsp. of sugar. All of this was followed up with a roasted chicken, root vegetables, asparagus and mashed potatos. And, of course, there was matzah.
Now, how will we follow this up for the birthday on Friday and then Easter on Sunday? ...I don't know, but I can tell you that celebrating holidays traditional to my childhood and others traditional to my husbands makes for some very interesting and fun times in our house.
This post is being linked to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday, Miz Helen's Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday and Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday.
Thanks to all of these lovely blogs for hosting these events.
♥, Susan
This looks delicious!
- The Tablescaper
Posted by: The Tablescaper | April 20, 2011 at 06:22 PM
Family traditons are the glue that keeps us together.
Have a blessed Passover and Easter.
Yvonne
Posted by: Yvonne @ StoneGable | April 20, 2011 at 06:56 PM
I'm exhausted just reading about your amazing holiday adventures. Way to go! You're a champion to my way of thinking. Everything looks beautiful. Thank you for sharing your lovely designs. Cherry Kay
Posted by: Entertaining Women | April 20, 2011 at 07:17 PM
Love the Bennington Pottery...
Happy Easter!
Posted by: Marigene | April 20, 2011 at 07:39 PM
Traditions are the backbone of strong families. Your seder plate and the lamb shanks look heavenly. As does the horseradish! Your table is lovely. I especially love your centerpiece of flowers. Happy Easter, be blessed. Do drop in I've got another giveaway going on!
Posted by: marlis | April 20, 2011 at 07:43 PM
What a fantastic dinner dish.
Posted by: Lisa @ Sweet as Sugar Cookies | April 20, 2011 at 08:32 PM
Hi Susan
Everything sounds so delicious! Happy birthday to your Hubby, Happy Passover, Happy Easter!
♥ Pat
Posted by: Pat | April 20, 2011 at 08:44 PM
Happy Passover and Happy Easter! You are doing a lot of celebrating at your house, the table looks lovely, the Seder meal sounds delicious as well as the birthday dinner! I never thought to put avocado with the gefilte fish, nice combination!
Posted by: Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook | April 20, 2011 at 10:07 PM
Beautiful family traditions and food! Happy Passover to you!
Posted by: Katerina | April 21, 2011 at 06:38 AM
It's been forever since I had lamb shanks like that, and I think I am putting them on my grocery list. This all looks fabulous.
Posted by: Scribbler | April 21, 2011 at 09:21 AM
Hi Susan,
What a lovely post. I love the tradition of Passover and Easter. We observe both this week as well. Your lamb shank looks awesome, a great recipe. Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday, have a great week end and hope to see you next week!
Posted by: Miz Helen | April 21, 2011 at 01:13 PM
Looks great Susan! Happy Passover, B-Day to your Hubby, and Easter-enjoy:@)
Posted by: Lynn@HappierThanAPigInMud | April 21, 2011 at 03:07 PM
I LIKE it! I like it that the two cultures have come together and that you celebrate each with its own due vigor! I will admit to never having tried any of the dishes you pictured (except maybe the chopped liver if pate counts), but I am open to pretty much any food at least once! Your floral arrangement is VERY pretty! Happy birthday to your husband, and I wish your entire family a wonderful celebration of Passover and Easter.
Posted by: Alycia Nichols | April 21, 2011 at 06:30 PM
Susan, you've made it through the first leg of the festivities :-). Be strong! Your table is gorgeous and much to my liking. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
Posted by: Mary | April 22, 2011 at 08:29 AM
The food looks yummy Nice to be able to celebrate two celebrations . Happy holidays
Posted by: vduford | April 22, 2011 at 02:57 PM
Such wonderful traditions and a wonderful table.
- The Tablescaper
Posted by: The Tablescaper | April 22, 2011 at 07:08 PM
The food and table looks gorgeous! Happy Holiday!
Posted by: Lori | April 22, 2011 at 08:18 PM
Everything is beautiful and festive. I've put lamb shanks on my grocery list. XX00
Posted by: Michael Lee West | April 24, 2011 at 11:10 AM
I'm late getting around to visit the tablescapes this week. Enjoyed my stop here. This looks like a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. Hope your are enjoying a delightful Sunday. ~ Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | April 24, 2011 at 01:50 PM