You will need to order these racks from your supermarket or butcher in advance. They make a great centrepiece for any celebratory meal and are very easy to eat as the little bone attached to each cutlet makes a perfect handle.
FOR THE ALMOND CRUST
50g/2oz blanched almonds
1 garlic clove
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
FOR THE HERB RELISH
large bunch parsley (about 50g/2oz)
good handful mint
2 tbsp capers
3 anchovy fillets
1 garlic clove
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
200ml/7fl oz olive oil
PREPARATION:
1 Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Put the almonds and garlic in a food processor and process to a rough paste. Brush the fat side of the racks with a little mustard, then press the almond crust onto it. Roast for 30-40 mins until the lamb is browned on the outside and pink inside. Leave to cool, then wrap in foil and chill for up to 24 hrs.
2 Put all the herb relish ingredients in the food processor and process to a rough paste. Pour into a small bowl. When ready to serve, cut the lamb between the bones into little cutlets and arrange over a platter. Spoon a little herb relish onto each or serve separately in a small bowl.