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Menu Plan for Winter II: Week 3, Day 5

Christmas Eve Dinner
Standing Rib Roast / Yorkshire Pudding, Horseradish Sauce
Cauliflower Parmesan
Bûche de Noël recipe not included

Cooking time: 60 - 90 minutes for menu          Cooking schedule: see below for instructions

        Holiday meals are full of tradition.  This is ours. You could substitute a whole or half beef tenderloin, roasted, for the Rib Roast. 

Standing Rib Roast with Yorkshire Pudding and Horseradish Sauce

Preparation and cooking time: 
                 60 - 90 minutes, 20-25 minutes per pound for medium rare. You need a meat thermometer
     You can get a rib roast small enough for 2... with leftovers.  We used to get a 1 - 2 rib roast. If it won't 'stand' just put it on a meat  rack.  I have no photo as this was our dinner when we lived in the US. Prime rib is not easy to find where we live now.

 Ingredients:

• 1 standing rib roast (also know as Prime Rib), small, 32oz (1000gr)
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce

 Instructions:

• The Beef: 
• Drizzle Worcestershire over entire roast. 
• Rub with thyme and garlic. 
• Either stand roast or lay it on a rack in a baking pan.  Insert meat thermometer.  If using one that has a temperature alarm set it for 125F (52C) for rare, 130F (55C) for medium rare, 140F (60C) for medium.
• Put into 425F (215C) oven. 
• When alarm goes off or thermometer registers 125F (52C) (or whatever temp you choose) remove from oven and cover securely with foil to keep warm and allow to rest for 30 minutes.  It will continue to cook another 5 degrees or so while resting, bringing it up to the perfect temperature. 
• When it is done resting, (the resting is important if you want nice, juicy beef - and to make the Yorkshire Pudding) slice and serve.
• The Yorkshire Pudding:  see below for recipe
• When temperature reaches 115 start to make Yorkshire Pudding; temporarily removing roast to get the drippings. 
• Put Pudding in oven when beef is done. 

Yorkshire Pudding

Total time: 35 minutes
     This a bit tricky with a small roast; it is supposed to be made with the fat from the roast but there may not be enough from a small roast. Here is how I manage:

 Ingredients:

• 1 cup (4.5oz, 135gr) flour
• 1 cup (8oz, 240ml) milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbs beef drippings or butter or combination
• 2 tbs beef stock

 Instructions:

• In medium bowl whisk the eggs. 
• Add the milk, flour and salt; whisk. 
• Let rest 10 - 30 minutes. 
• Put drippings/butter and stock in a baking dish.  I use a 10 inch (25cm) square. 
• When beef is almost ready to come out, heat the baking dish in the 425F (215C) oven (the same as for roast) until butter is melted. 
• Remove and pour in pudding batter. 
• Immediately take beef out and put pudding in.  Oven door should not be opened while pudding bakes. 
• Bake 20 minutes. 
• Reduce heat to 375F (190C) and continue baking 12 - 15 minutes more, until golden and puffed up. 
• Remove and serve immediately.

Horseradish Sauce 

Time: 10 minutes
     Crème fraiche can be whipped - and gives a lovely, slightly tangy flavor to the sauce.  If you can't get it, substitute regular heavy whipping cream.

 Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (4oz, 125ml) crème fraiche
• 1 tbs prepared horseradish
• 1 tsp dried tarragon
• 1 tsp dried thyme

 Instructions:

• Put the crème fraiche into a large bowl and whisk until soft and fluffy... maybe even some soft peaks. 
• Whisk in horseradish and herbs. 
• Refrigerate until needed.

Cauliflower Parmesan

Total time: 30 minutes
    Sometimes, simple is best.

 Ingredients:

• 1/3 head cauliflower
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1/4 cup (1oz, 30gr) Parmesan, freshly grated

 Instructions:

• Cut cauliflower into pieces, put into a steamer and steam over water for 12 - 15 minutes until fork-tender.
• Remove and empty water from pan.
• Heat oil in the same pan. Add cauliflower and sauté briefly.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve.

Cooking Schedule: 90 minutes Assemble all food, utensils and serving dishes Utensils: measuring cups, spoons, knives, small saucepan with lid, roasting pan, baking dish, saucepan with steamer basket and lid, 2 medium bowls, whisk, carving board, foil, meat thermometer Turn on the oven, 425F (215C) Season beef, put into oven (when oven is hot) Cut cauliflower       Pause while beef cooks.... Champagne, anyone? Check beef     Admire the holiday decor   Grate Parmesan Make the Horseradish Sauce, refrigerate Mix batter for Yorkshire Pudding

Check beef, if close (115F) remove and get 2 tbs of         drippings for pudding Prepare pudding pan Remove beef, put in pudding - set timer for 20 minutes Cover beef with foil, let rest Steam cauliflower     Pause while pud cooks.... more Champagne? When timer goes off, turn oven down for pudding -          do NOT open the door!  Reset timer Finish cauliflower Slice beef Get the Horseradish Sauce from the fridge Remove Yorkshire pudding, serve all Finish with a lovely dessert, coffee....  Chocolates?                      MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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