Every now and again it is special to have a Romantic candlelit supper with your husband. Make it a memorable event. You can create your very own cozy Restaurant at home. Slow cooked Lamb shanks in red wine is one of my husband's favourite meals. For the entire family it's not the most economical dish but is ideal for a special date with your hubby. Set the table and create a lovely atmosphere with candles, serviettes, flowers and romantic background music. Plan your special evening. The children could also look forward to having a fun supper of pizza or macaroni cheese and watch their favourite movie. The older siblings could babysit and read their favorite book. Whatever suits your family situation. Plan all the detail necessary and enjoy time together.

Ingredients:

2 Lamb Shanks
1 Onion ( peeled & chopped)
2 clove Garlic ( crushed or finely grated)
2 Bay Leaves
1-2 tsp herbal salt
6 peppercorns
1/2 tsp Rosemary
1 tsp mustard
1 tsp tomato puree
250ml red wine
little cayenne pepper
2 carrots ( peeled and sliced)
Olive oil for frying

Heat the oil in a medium sized heavy based pot.
Brown the shanks on all sides. Set aside.
Put chopped onions into the pot, fry until golden.
Add garlic, tomato puree, mustard, rosemary,
salt, peppercorn, bay leaves, wine and stir.
Place Lamb shanks in red wine sauce in the pot.
Bring to the boil then turn down heat& simmer.
The red wine sauce should almost cover the meat.
Turn the meat every hour or to make sure the lamb
shanks do not stick to the bottom of the pot and that
each side of the meat gets a chance to sit in the gravy.
Add a little water if sauce reduces too much during cooking time.
Simmer on lowest heat for about 3 hours until soft & tender.

If gravy is too runny thicken by making a paste
with a little corn flour & mix with water.
Add to gravy and bring quickly to the boil.
The rich gravy will then have more substance.

Serve lamb shanks with mashed or roast potatoes, creamed parsnip and roasted vegetables. It is totally irresistible!