(Family Features) - There's nothing more mouthwatering than a succulent leg of lamb roasting in the oven, surrounded by potatoes with crispy, browning edges. Somehow, a dinner featuring a showpiece roast just feels special. Yet a memorable meal needn't be hard on the cook. It's easy to get tired from hectic schedules and busy days. Count on lean lamb and wholesome potatoes to restore your energy reserves and land some "oohs" and "ahhs" at the table in the process.

Starting a meal with lamb makes good nutrition sense. Lamb is a lean, nutrient rich, flavorful meat that delivers vitamins and minerals - such as the important B vitamins and iron - that help the body produce energy. Iron from red meat is more readily absorbed by the body than iron from plant sources. The leanest cuts of lamb include the leg and loin. Even better, most cuts tend to have less marbling than other meats.

Of course, the perfect pairing for any meat is potatoes, particularly those grown in Wisconsin, America's heartland. Skin-on potatoes contain more potassium than a banana and are a source of fiber. A 5.3-ounce potato is fat-, sodium- and cholesterol-free, and contains nearly half your daily value of vitamin C for just 110 calories. And its complex-carbohydrates provide the ideal efficient energy source for the body.

Another bonus for weary cooks: the roasted lamb and potato dish provides plenty of leftovers to serve as the base for two quick meals later in the week. How's that for energy conservation?

Get more from potatoes and lamb: the dynamic duo

Wisconsin potatoes are goodness unearthed

• For additional super spud recipes visit www.wisconsinpotatoes.com, or order the "Wisconsin Potato Sensations Cookbook" by sending a check or money order for $8.00 to Wisconsin Potato Sensations, Dept. FF, P.O. Box 327, Antigo, WI 54409. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery.
• Growers in Wisconsin have been recognized nationally for environmentally friendly production practices and their Healthy Grown potatoes. Also, because they are centrally located, they can guarantee quick turnaround time for maximum freshness.

Lean on lamb for healthy meals

• In general, lamb should be cooked to 145°F for medium rare, 160°F for medium and 170°F for well done. Ground lamb should always be cooked to 160°F.
• Lamb chops, roasts, steaks and legs are perfect for cooking methods that use dry heat, such as grilling, roasting or broiling. Stew meat and shanks are perfect for moist heat cooking, such as braising and stewing.
• Plenty more great lamb recipes and cooking tips can be found at www.leanonlamb.com.