Christmas Roast Recipe

The holiday season is a time for festive gatherings, warmth, and delicious feasts. One classic dish that graces the Christmas table is the hearty and succulent Christmas Roast. But what sets this holiday favorite apart is the use of our pasture-raised beef! In this article, we will delve into the health benefits of pasture-raised beef, provide cooking tips for achieving tender results, list the essential ingredients and tools, offer a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect Christmas Roast, discuss variations on the recipe, and answer some common questions about this delightful dish.

Jump to recipe ⇣

Health Benefits of Pasture-Raised Beef

Before diving into the culinary aspects of making a Christmas Roast, it's crucial to understand the health benefits of using pasture-raised beef. Unlike conventionally raised cattle, pasture-raised beef offers several advantages. These benefits include:

• Higher Nutrient Content: Pasture-raised beef is leaner and contains higher levels of essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
• Lower Fat Content: Pasture-raised beef has a lower saturated fat content, making it a healthier choice for those conscious of their fat intake.
• No Hormones or Antibiotics: Our pasture-raised cattle are raised without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics, resulting in cleaner and healthier meat.
• Enhanced Flavor: The varied diet and natural lifestyle of pasture-raised cattle contribute to a richer and more robust flavor, elevating the dining experience.
• Animal Welfare: Choosing pasture-raised beef supports more ethical and sustainable farming practices, as these animals are raised in a more natural and humane environment.

Cooking Tips

To fully appreciate the benefits of pasture-raised beef and create a mouthwatering Christmas Roast, it's essential to prepare and cook the meat correctly. Here are some cooking tips that will help you achieve tender and flavorful results:

• Low and Slow Cooking: For pasture-raised meats, cooking low and slow is the key to tender and juicy results. This method allows the meat's natural flavors to shine and ensures even cooking throughout.
• Beef Cooking Temperature Table: Here's a handy temperature guide to help you achieve your desired level of doneness:
• Rare: 120-130°F (49-54°C)
• Medium Rare: 130-140°F (54-60°C)
• Medium: 140-150°F (60-66°C)
• Medium Well: 150-160°F (66-71°C)
• Well Done: 160°F (71°C) and above
• Other Tips: Some additional tips to keep in mind include using a meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking, allowing the roast to rest before slicing to retain its juices, and experimenting with different seasonings and aromatics to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• FFF Prime Rib Roast: The star of the show, this cut is known for its marbling and tenderness. Choose a size that suits your gathering.
• Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon): The wine adds depth of flavor and moisture to the roast, making it exceptionally succulent.
• Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps the seasonings adhere to the meat, enhancing flavor.
• Garlic: Garlic infuses the roast with a delightful aroma and depth of taste.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: These classic seasonings are crucial for enhancing the beef's natural flavors.
• Fresh Rosemary: Rosemary's aromatic quality complements the roast beautifully.
• Stick of Salted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the pan juices and the meat itself.

List of Tools

• Roasting pan
• Aluminum foil
• Meat thermometer
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Oven

How to Make a Christmas Roast

1. Begin with your FFF Prime Rib Roast at room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
2. Place the roast in a deep roasting pan and pour a generous amount of Cabernet Sauvignon over it, you want it to cover the bottom of the pan as this helps retain moisture.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the roast to add richness and additional moisture.
4. Prepare a mixture of crushed garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and fresh rosemary. Rub this mixture onto the meat, ensuring even coverage.
5. Cover both the top of the roast and the pan with aluminum foil to trap moisture during cooking.
6. Preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C) and place the roast on the lowest oven rack. Calculate the cooking time based on the roast's weight (1 hour for every 3 lbs of meat).
7. Once the timer is up, switch the oven to the broil setting. Remove the aluminum foil and broil the roast for 30 minutes (or to your preferred level of browning). For professional chefs, check the internal temperature as needed.
8. Take the roast out of the oven, recover it with foil, and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
9. After resting, it's time to slice and enjoy your perfectly cooked Christmas Roast.

How to Store

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can use the roast for sandwiches, salads, or reheat it gently in the oven to enjoy another delicious meal.

Variations on the Recipe

While the classic Christmas Roast is a delight on its own, you can experiment with various seasonings and aromatics. Some popular variations include:

• Garlic and Herb: Add a variety of fresh herbs such as thyme, sage, and oregano to the garlic and rosemary mixture for a more herbaceous flavor.
• Horseradish Crust: Combine horseradish with breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful crust for your roast.
• Mustard Glaze: Spread a mixture of Dijon mustard and honey over the roast for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Mushroom Gravy: Serve your Christmas Roast with a rich mushroom gravy for an extra layer of flavor.

Questions and Answers

Q1: How do I calculate the cooking time for my roast?
A1: Calculate the cooking time at 1 hour for every 3 pounds of meat. For precision, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Q2: Can I use other cuts of beef for a Christmas Roast?
A2: While prime rib is a classic choice, you can use other roasts like sirloin or even rump, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Q3: What side dishes pair well with Christmas Roast?
A3: Consider serving roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and a flavorful gravy alongside your Christmas Roast.

FULL RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

*Adjust amounts based on the size of your roast

FFF Prime Rib Roast
Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon)
Olive Oil
Garlic
Sea Salt
Black Pepper
Fresh Rosemary
Your favorite steak seasoning (We like Montreal Steak Seasoning).

GRAVY:
1 Stick of Butter
1 Tablespoon of Flour
Pan Drippings

DIRECTIONS:
1. Defrost your Prime Rib Roast. Optional: The night before cooking, dry brine with the Salt, Pepper and Steak seasoning. Leave in the fridge overnight, (or at least a couple hours).
2. Take the Roast out of the fridge, and once it has reached room temperature, preheat your oven to 250 degrees.
3. Place it in a deep oven safe pan, rib side down, and pour the red wine and olive oil over the top, leaving extra in the pan for more moisture.
4. Crush Garlic, Salt, Pepper, and Rosemary into a paste and rub into all sides of the roast. Cover the top with aluminum foil.
5. Place the Roast in the oven, and set a timer for 1 hour for every 3 lbs of meat.
6. Once the timer is up (or the internal temperature reaches 120 - 125 degrees F), switch the oven to broil at 400 degrees F. Remove the aluminum foil, and leave in for approximately 30 minutes to finish, flipping every 7-8 minutes for an even crust. For Medium Rare, remove from heat at about 130 - 135 degrees F.
7. Take the Roast out of the oven, re-cover in foil and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
8. For the Gravy: Make a simple rue by melting 1 stick of butter, and then whisking in some flour. Once fully incorporated, whisk in about 1 - 1.5 cups of the drippings from the Roast in the pan. When it reached your desired taste and consistency, set aside and let cool.
9. When you are ready to eat, Carve, Serve with your gravy and Enjoy!

Here's to healthy, happy living from all of us to all of you!