I just fancified the family’s Christmas Eve Dinner…
I would say they might be pumped but then I know my brothers, they’ll just say, what’s that green stuff? Good news is that sage leaves can slide right off, the other good news is that I took this roast for a test run over Thanksgiving and to say that it was well received would be an understatement. Simple GOOD flavors – everyone loved it. Plus, they were all just happy for steak. Somehow I am a veggie loving freak in a family full of meat loving boys. Odd the life you’re handed, huh? If I wasn’t feeding the family and their friends, I’d honestly roast veggies 24/7…you see those amazing colorful things I snuck in there? Yep, I threw some beets in with this steak. Whoop, whoop! Ok, so I know that just about all I ever talk about now is Christmas, but I just can’t help it, I love it! That said, I am already SO behind on Christmas it’s not even funny. This has happened every year since I started the blog, so I really shouldn’t be surprised. One of these days though, one of these days very SOON, I will dedicate the entire day (ok, maybe not the ENTIRE day – but most of it!) to doing all things Christmas. Anyone else with me?? Little sis for sure is with me. In fact she has been planning out “Christmas Day” since before Halloween. I have about twelve post it notes stuck to the chalkboard in my office detailing all the things we will do on this day. The girl knows how to make a good list… Santa, be prepared. OH and you guys, serious talk here. Did you know that mean girls exist… even in first grade?!?! Asher was over on Friday night (cause I am LAME and I hang with my seven-year old sister on Friday nights) and she was telling me about one of her friends who created a “team” that only she is the boss of. Only this friend is allowed to tell everyone in the group what to do. She tells them who to talk to, who not talk to and what to play, even what to wear…wow, mean girls the 1st grade version! I know, I know. Craziness, right? My smart little sister wanted nothing to do with this “team” (GO ASHER!), so she opted to be OUT of the group. The problem is that now all of her friends are in the group and they aren’t allowed to talk to her. She came home Friday totally sad. I mean, is that not so mean? They are SEVEN years old! I am not really sure I remember all that much from being seven, but I can’t recall any mean girls. Anyway, I had to cheer her up a bit so of course we chatted more about our “Christmas Day”. Man, I gotta follow though with this, and man there is a bit of pressure here. I need to start stocking up on some Gingerbread Houses, Christmas movies and mass amounts of chocolate…sounds pretty good to me. 🙂
Ok moving on, let’s talk about this Sage Crusted Standing Rib Roast. I will not lie, this is a serious roast, it feeds a crowd, or well eight hungry people, but you know. It’s also kind of a show stopper, like an “ooh ahh” as it comes to the table show stopper. Best part is that its super simple and easy. Worst part? It’s got a hefty price tag. I can’t deny, this is a cut of meat for special occasions without a doubt. I’ve decided it’s worth it though, not only does it make me happy, since there’s really not a lot of work involved, but your guests (or in my case occupants – some related, some not) will love this delicious splurge. Let me break it down for you. Season the beef with salt + pepper…of course. Sear the beef on the stove to get a beautiful, golden brown crust. Secure a whole bunch of sage to the roast with kitchen twine. Add some onions + red wine to a roasting pan, then add the roast. Roast away for a few hours until the beef is done to your liking. My family likes their beef cooked pretty dang pink inside. Clearly. While my cousins on the other hand, actually like their meat pretty cooked (I am talking COOKED!). So how I will cook this on Christmas Eve is still a question I am trying to figure out. Maybe two roasts? I dunno, we shale see.
OKAY. But my FAVORITE part to this recipe?? Yup, the gorgonzola sauce. You guys know me so well. Bring on the stinky cheese please. No but seriously? This sauce is all kinds of incredible. It’s buttery, garlicy, creamy and cheesy. The gorgonzola cheese really gets mellowed out by the cream, so even if you’re not normally a fan of blue cheese, I would still recommend trying this. If you really just can’t handle the stinky cheese, you could use something like a sharp cheddar, gouda or Gruyère. Just don’t skip the sauce. Any cheese will be delicious and it’s the PERFECT compliment to this simple beef roast. And I mean, come on. Aren’t those pink peppercorns so festive. Love. I also cooked up some salt roasted beets to go along side the steak. I am REALLY into beets right now (as you will soon see) and this simple way of preparing them is one of my favorites. I know it may seem like SO much salt, but I promise it’s going to make for the best roasted beets. The salt gets brushed away before eating, but leaves you with a perfectly roasted beet. So much flavor. So much color. All the things I love!
Geez. I just realized that I wrote WAY too much for a Monday. Sorry, my brain is go, go, go – only seventeen more days till Christmas! Wait, one last thing! It’s VIDEO time!! I am beyond excited to be back with videos for you guys this month. They are definitely not perfect, but Kai and I, we try! Hope you guys love it. Please let me know what you think, I love your feedback!!
SOoo? Christmas Eve?? Dinner? For sure. P.S. Don’t forget to enter my Staub giveaway here (at the bottom of the post).
