Friday, August 04, 2006




Icelandic lamb bbq... those folks sure know how to do it right. This was the scene at G's family reunion in Iceland last month. The gathering was held not far from Thingvillir in an old Boy Scout camp. The lamb was the most delicious I think I've ever tasted. All the boys got together and rubbed the meat with some kind of fragrant spice mixture. Then there was the discussion on how high over the coals to start the meat after the skewers went in... And then the choosing of the "turner"... as the meat was hand-turned for the next several hours. It was fabulous, and along with the lamb there was tons of food to go with - shrimp and crab salads, a superb homemade fish soup with mushrooms, fresh cream and cheese, an assortment of freshly baked breads with thick, creamy Icelandic butter, cheeses and oh, not to forget the variety of cakes and desserts! After dinner, the spirits were high - and the wine was flowing freely, and one of the cousins stepped up and sang a beautiful baritone song. Song sheets were passed out, and we all joined in singing songs about an Icelandic Cowboy, as well as many of which I had no clue. It was a lovely reunion with lots of fun had by all.

14 comments:

Jeanne said...

And narry a vegetable to be had. An age-old expression of plenty, and each individual part is delicious, but all together it's pretty hard on the stomach. It's the same here, especially at Christmas.

Outdoorsy Girl said...

After reading this, I am starving to death! lol. Sounds wonderful!

tsduff said...

Jeanne - I tried to rack my brain to remember what ever veggies must have been served... hmmmm, I don't suppose there were any at all! Wow, imagine that! Usually my plate is loaded with the green stuff, but I think in this instance, my eyes were so boggled by the lamb that I forgot to miss the veggies! That's a first. Wait... I think there were olives. :-) Those are a fruit, yes?

Julie, it was divine. I feel a bit shamed-faced if there are any vegans who might be scandalized by the full-on photo of such blatant MEAT, but oh well. I love it.

Tai said...

mmmmmm

Trée said...

Oh my, and I wasn't even hungry before. Sounds delicious.

Thomas J Wolfenden said...

I simply LOVE lamb!

Sounds like it was yummy!

Autumn Storm said...

My stomach is growling after reading that. :-)
Sounds absolutely lovely, homely and just wonderful, I can almost picture the scene as you describe it.
Sunday hugs, x

Keshi said...

BBQd lamb is yummy!

Keshi.

Minka said...

Oh yes it is. And I am glad you go to try it. I think I have been in that boy scout camp you were referring to :) The odds were big though of that happening ;)
Seems liek you enjoyed Iceland to its fullest!

tsduff said...

Tai - Hi Tai! You sure got that right.

Trée, it is better than pulled pork. ;-) I promise.

RT: You know some folks are unfamiliar with the delights of lamb...what a shame. It is food of the gods, especially Icelandic lamb.

Autumn- Lamb is a comfort food for me. I remember Mom always had a leg of lamb roasting in the oven on some days when I'd come home from school... I could smell it wafting out all the way at the bottom of the driveway.

Am keeping you and your family in my thoughts. Hugs to your Dad and Mum...tell Maria and Karina hi for me too. Just looked at the London pics again last night... we had such a great time! We'll try for a longer time next time :-)... next summer when you come to Walnut Creek, eh?

Hi Keshi! Can't go wrong cooking with lamb :-) I'm ready for another fix as I write this.

Welcome back Monika! Hope all is well after your big trip away from the Rock. Get enough sausage over in Germany to hold you for a while? Or are you like most Icelanders not a big fan of the stuff? Iceland is always to be enjoyed to the fullest - it is a delight to every sense. I just watched pictures last night of our trip... got to enjoy the wonder all over again.

Doug The Una said...

How did I miss your post on meat this long?

tsduff said...

Doug - good question. I should think you would have caught the delicious scent on the breeze...redolent and mouthwatering...

Doug The Una said...

Yeah, me too, Terry. I guess maybe my nose was clogged with hamburger.

Autumn Storm said...

Absolutely :-D