Recipe: Rib Roast with Burgundy Sauce; Broccoli and Cheese and Honey Bread Pudding

RIB ROAST WITH BURGUNDY SAUCE

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves
1/4 teaspoon rubbed savory
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Standing 3-rib roast of beef, bone in (8 to 9 Ibs)
1 teaspoon liquid gravy seasoning
1/2 cup Burgundy wine
FOR THE BURGUNDY SAUCE:
6 tablespoons roast beef drippings
1/4 cup unsifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash black pepper
2 cans(10 1/2oz size) condensed beef broth, undiluted
1/2 cup Burgundy wine

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Mix salt, herbs and pepper. Rub herb mixture into beef on all sides and stand roast fat side up in shallow roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer through outside fat into the thickest part of the meat.

(Thermometer should not rest in fat or on bone.)

Mix liquid gravy seasoning with 1/2 cup Burgundy. Spoon some over beef; place beef in oven uncovered.

Roast, basting several times with remaining Burgundy mixture, 3 1/2 hours for rare (140F), 4 1/2 hours for medium (160F), 5 hours for well done (170F). I prefer to cook it for 4 hours.

When roast is done, lift with two large forks and place on heated platter, cover with aluminum foil. Pour off drippings and reserve.

Let roast stand in a warm place while you make gravy. Roast will be easier to carve after standing 20 to 30 minutes.

PREPARE BURGUNDY GRAVY:
Return 6 tablespoons reserved drippings to roasting pan. Stir in flour, salt and pepper to make a smooth mixture. Gradually add the beef broth and Burgundy, stirring until the mixture is free of lumps.

All browned bits from roasting pan should be loosened and dissolved in broth mixture. Bring gravy to boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper.

Makes 3 cups gravy.

TO SERVE:
Using a large sharp carving knife, carve across roast toward bone. Cut along bone to remove slices. Slide a knife under meat slice to place on serving Platter. Serve with Burgundy Gravy.

CARVING TIPS<:/b>
Place the rib roast on a platter so that the cut surface is up and the ribs are to your left. Insert a carving fork into the roast below the top rib.

Using a very sharp carving knife, cut horizontally from the outside toward the bone. Then cut vertically along the bone with the tip of the knife to release the slice of meat.

Slide the knife under the slice of meat, steady the meat with the fork and transfer it to a serving dish.

Continue carving meal, cutting thin or thick slices as desired.

Serves 8-10

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BROCCOLI AND CHEESE

2 or 3 broccoli heads with the trunk cut off
1/2 lb Velveeta cheese (optional) or 8 oz. shredded medium or sharp cheddar cheese (my choice)*
Butter

Cook broccoli until BRIGHT green and tender not soft and dark green. Strain well. Add to an oven baking dish, toss with a few pats of real butter. Cover the top with cheese.

Cover and bake for 15 minutes or until melted. Temperature doesn't really matter, 350-400 degrees F is fine.

*I use an old English cheddar, but you can use Velveeta or cheese whiz if you prefer, just follow the melting instructions on the box or the jar.

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HONEY BREAD PUDDING
Servings: 8

8 cups egg bread, cubed
1 cup raisins
3 cups 2% low-fat milk
1 cup evaporated low-fat milk
6 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup honey
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Arrange bread and raisins in bottom of lightly greased shallow 2 quart baking dish.

Beat remaining ingredients in a large bowl until well blended. Pour over bread cubes in baking dish and let stand for 1 hour, or until liquid is absorbed.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 45 to 50 minutes, or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.