Iceland
Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing, established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the island's population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. Limited home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence attained in 1944. Literacy, longevity, income, and social cohesion are first-rate by world standards.

Iceland is slightly smaller than Kentucky. The climate is temperate; moderated by North Atlantic Current with mild, windy winters and damp, cool summers.

Recipes

Roast leg of lamb - Main

Ingredients:
1 leg of lamb
salt
pepper

Directions
Wipe the leg of lamb over with a cloth rung out in warm water. Rub spices well into the meat. Rub the bottom of your oven-pan with butter or margarine, put also a few dots of either on top of the roast. Put your leg of lamb in a hot oven 250C-450F and roast for 15-20 min., then lower the heat to 150-200C (350F). Pour hot water or stock into pan and cook for about 15 min. per pound of meat, spooning the stock over the meat occasionally. When done pour the stock from the pan and make gravy with some flour. You may have to add water during the cooking. If the stock is too fatty, skim before making gravy. Serve your roast leg of lamb whole to be cut at the table or sliced in the kitchen with sugar-browned potatoes, peas and carrots.


Potatoes Browned in Sugar - Side Dish

Ingredients:
2 lbs. white potatoes
1/8 lb. butter
1/2 cup sugar

Directions
Select new potatoes, preferably small in size - if large they should be cut into even pieces - boil and peel. Brown the butter over low heat in a preheated saucepan. Add the sugar. When the mixture becomes frothy add the potatoes. Turn repeatedly until the potatoes become well-coated and light brown in colour.