As the days pass and self-isolation continues, people are getting creative when it comes to keeping their minds busy and their bodies active. Whether you’re focused on achieving that summer body through at-home workouts, are still working remotely from your couch, or are jamming out to your favorite songs, there are an abundance of ways to keep yourself entertained. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento is here to help you when it comes to avoiding boredom by providing Chef inspired recipes so you can enjoy something delicious and upscale right from the comfort of your own home.
That’s right, the team at Fire Mountain is here to help you brush up on your culinary skills with a dish inspired by the Chefs at Hard Rock Sacramento. Cooking at home has never been easier! Enjoy this delicious recipe, our helpful kitchen tips, and much more. It’s time to sharpen your knives, put on your apron, and get to work as we spice things up in your kitchen and inspire cooks of all kinds.
Get to Know the Chef
Hard Rock Sacramento is proud to present award winning Chef Eric Osti as our at-home cooking guide. Chef Eric is the special events Chef here at Fire Mountain and is a Yuba County local with over 15 years of experience in the food industry. No matter what on-property event is happening at Fire Mountain, whether that’s a special event, a conference, a meeting, a wedding, or a private party – no event would be the same without a menu crafted by Chef Eric himself. As he continues to create tasty dishes, he’s bringing a Chef inspired recipe directly to your kitchen. Get ready for a 5-star dining experience, without ever having to leave your house!
Try Our Chef Inspired Recipe: Dijon Rack of Lamb
Ingredients:
- 1 rack of lamb
- 3 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Clean all excess fat off the top of the rack of lamb and remove silver skin.
- Prepare the breading (recipe below).
- Season lamb with salt and pepper and sear in a large sauté pan with a small amount of oil.
- Take the lamb out of the pan, spread the dijon mustard on the lamb, and roll the lamb in the seasoned bread crumbs.
- Wrap foil around the top of the bones on the lamb so they do not burn in the oven.
- Place the lamb on a baking sheet and place in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 120 degrees.
- Pull the lamb out of the oven and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Slice into pieces and serve.
Breading:
- Place butter into the pan and melt.
- Once butter is melted put bread crumbs in and allow to toast until golden brown.
- Take bread crumbs out of the pan and allow to cool.
- Once the bread crumbs have cooled, place in a mixing bowl and toss with chopped up thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper.
Now that you have the main course, don’t forget about your delicious side dishes! Roasted potatoes, steamed carrots, and green beans with pickled shallots all pair perfectly with your mouth watering, rack of lamb. This meal is perfect for the whole family as you bring your inner chef to the kitchen.
Cooking at Home Tips & Tricks
If you’re not used to cooking at home, then cooking three meals a day may seem a bit overwhelming. We’re here to tell you that you should have no fear when stepping into the kitchen. Approaching each meal with some of our helpful tips will have you turned into a master chef in no time!
Back to Basics
Cooking up a big batch of basic dishes at the beginning of the week is a great way to form a base for upcoming meals so you don’t have to spend as much time in the kitchen every day. This will reduce the amount of stress that you may be dealing with now-a-days and will free up some time for you to simply relax. Cooking up large quantities of beans, rice, and pasta is a great way to prep for upcoming dinners and lunches, and allows you to put a spin on a classic cooking component.
Get Creative
Now is the time to get creative with your dishes and try out a recipe that you’ve had bookmarked for forever. Maybe you haven’t had the time or you’re too tired after work, but in our current climate there is no time like the present to strengthen your cooking at home skills! When you step into the kitchen, examine the ingredients that you have in your fridge and pantry and go from there. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover your new favorite dish!
Make it a Family Affair
During self isolation with your family or roommates, now is the best time to come together at the dinner table. With so much uncertainty in the world today, there is nothing more uplifting than breaking bread with the ones you love. Turn dinner into a family activity! Give each member a specific role and create something fresh and delicious together while cooking at home.
Stock Up on Staples
To create the perfect meal, you always have to have your staples handy and ready to go. Stocking your kitchen with pantry, refrigerator, and freezer essentials is the best way to create a great meal without a hitch. With a well stocked spice cabinet, you can turn any dish from drab to fab! Some staples to always have in your kitchen include:
- Salt & Pepper
- Garlic
- Flour
- Grains
- Chicken Stock
- Bread Crumbs
- Canned Beans
- Frozen Produce & Veggies
Prep Work Helps
Decrease your time in the kitchen by prepping easier ingredients. This includes chopping vegetables, breaking down the meat, mixing ingredients, and washing and storing additional foods that will be used for upcoming meals. With all your minor ingredients already prepped, it leaves time for you to put all your focus into the main dish. Whether you want potatoes or cauliflower for your side dish, everything tastes better when it’s done beforehand. Organization and attention to detail are important when it comes to prepping your upcoming meals and enjoying cooking at home.
Cooking at home is easy when you have the help of the award winning Chefs at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento. Enjoy this Chef inspired recipe for your next family dinner and keep our cooking tips in mind when approaching a new week at home. Take this time to step away from your normal, fast paced lifestyle and enjoy the simple things in life like a home cooked meal with the people you love most.
From the team at Hard Rock Sacramento, we wish you and your family happiness and healthiness during this time. We can’t wait to see you back when our property doors are open once again!
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