really young lamb

[trillium]

Ok, so if you have issues about eating dead animals don't read this.

Ever since I bought some suckling lamb in Chicago from my favorite Italian grocery store around Easter, my mum has been reminding me of how good it was and how we really should do it again. It really is good, tender and lighter in color then older lamb, I cooked it the classical roman easter way and had carciofi romani along with it. Cosmic. It's not economical, you get a high bone to meat ratio, but the flavor is delicate and sweet and the texture is velvet.

Since she's close by now, and I know some sheep farmers, I thought it would be a good idea to give them a call and talk about suckling lamb. I talked to Dan of SuDan farms last weekend. He says he has lambs he can slaughter all year round right after they're weaned. I want one that's been eating new spring grasses, it really does make a difference in how they taste (the first eggs of spring from chickens have a similiar deal going). They're expensive, around 4.50 a lb and dressed weight for a whole one is around 40 lbs. I don't need a whole one, just a half. He'll sell me a half but then he has to take it to the packing plant and package up the other half. If I buy a whole one he can process it at the farm and take around .20 or .30 off / lb. The money doesn't make that much difference when you're talking about such a luxury item like this, but I thought other pdxers might be interested. I need to let him know which route I want to go by this weekend. He makes regular deliveries to Portland.

regards,

trillium

[trillium]

Um...that should read "any one in pdx *want* some" and I can't figure out how to edit it..bad typing...that's what happens when you're guiltily procrastinating.

trillium

[Jim Dixon]

trillium,

I'll go in with you for half, unless somebody else wants some, too.

Jim

ps...I used my awesome new power to change the topic subhead.

[kitwilliams]

interestingly, my father just told me the story of the best lamb he ever had, which was in Rome in the 70s. It wasn't until after the meal (fortunately) that he was told that the lamb was removed from the mother prior to coming to full term.

I guess even vets will have to hire bodyguards in order to keep the pro-lifers at bay...

anyone know if this procedure is done in this country? just curious.

[Jim Dixon]

I think in the Batali story in Gourmet it mentioned him holding a natal (is that the right word?) lamb.

Jim

[HungryChris]

Isn't Persian Wool the coat of unborn lambs?

[nwells]

Funny timing. I just spoke with Dan today and ordered a whole lamb to pick up on April 23rd. I could share a bit of another lamb if anybody needed someone to go in with, or I can wait for my order. Whichever is better for others.

Neeley

[trillium]

I think in the Batali story in Gourmet it mentioned him holding a natal (is that the right word?) lamb.

Jim

I believe the word you're looking for is neonatal (before birth).

regards,

trillium

ps thanks for the edit...but I hope all this newfound power doesn't go to your head...

[col klink]

If you look in the right places you can pig fetuses. I believe I recall hearing that Nigella Lawson tried a roasted pig fetus and said it was sublime. I'd love to try it as well.

[Dave the Cook]

I think in the Batali story in Gourmet it mentioned him holding a natal (is that the right word?) lamb.

Jim

I believe the word you're looking for is neonatal (before birth).

regards,

trillium

ps thanks for the edit...but I hope all this newfound power doesn't go to your head...

Um...

Neonatal means newly born.

Natal means having to do with birth.

Prenatal is prior to birth.

signed,

Dave the Language Pedant

[Jim Dixon]

Thank you Dave...

I was too lazy to turn around and pick up the dictionary.

Jim

[MsRamsey]

Natal means having to do with birth.

Also, "perinatal."

Kathy

Perinatal Researcher

[trillium]

You know, I was sitting in a seminar thinking "wait a minute...I just wrote neonatal instead of prenatal" but it would have been rude to run out and correct myself.... I don't think the speaker would have appreciated it. So thanks Dave.

I can see it now, next there will be talk about at what embryonic stage prenatal lamb tastes best.

regards,

trillium