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Bringing on the Holiday Cheer!

Posted by steph.smith | February 15, 2019

This article appeared in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News in December 2018.

The holidays are a perfect time to share good company and good food. I have curated some traditional holiday recipes that will provide safe and tasty food, culminating in a wonderful feast for your friends and family.

 

Perfect Prime Rib

This recipe is adapted from a recipe provided by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. A beef rib roast is one that contains two or more bones from the rib section.  A beef rib eye roast is the large center muscle with the bones removed.  A “standing” rib roast uses the bones to form a natural rack in the roasting pan.  Rib roasts are usually sold as either small end or large end.  Small end roasts are more tender, contain less fat and are usually priced higher than large end cuts.

 

  • Heat the oven to 350°. Place the roast, fat side up, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.  Insert an ovenproof meat thermometer in the thickest part of the roast making sure it is not resting in any fat.  Do NOT add water or cover. If you do not have an ovenproof thermometer, you can check the internal temperature of the roast as it is cooking.
  • Season roast if desired. You can make your own seasoning mix by combining your favorite herbs and seasonings such as black pepper, basil and thyme; garlic powder, marjoram and parsley; or lemon pepper and rosemary.  Alternatively, you can mix 2 sticks of unsalted butter with garlic, 1 cup of horseradish, 1/4 cup of chopped thyme, 3 tablespoons of chopped rosemary, and 3 tablespoons of chopped sage. Sprinkle or spread the seasonings over all the sides and pat it into the surface.
  • Roast at 325° Allow an approximate cooking time of 15 minutes per pound.
  • Check the internal temperature of the roast by placing a food thermometer into the middle of the roast. Check the internal temperature in at least 3 locations around the center. Remove when the thermometer registers 5 to 10° before desired doneness. Tent with foil and let the roast stand for 15 minutes. The roast will continue to cook during the rest period. The roast must have an internal temperature of 145°F for at least 3 minutes.

Easy Au Jus

Reserve the meat juices from roasting pan.  Skim fat.  Combine the following ingredients with 2 tablespoons of the meat juices and heat to boiling: 2 cubes of beef bouillon or 2 teaspoons instant beef bouillon granules, 1 ½ cups water, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon onion powder.  Serve with your prime rib.

 

Holiday Egg Nog

This recipe was adapted from a recipe provided by USDA FSIS. Never consume raw eggs. Unfortunately, an added dash of rum won’t make raw eggs safe, as the alcohol content in rum is not high enough to kill bacteria.  However, this recipe will ensure a safe and delicious drink that is a hit with your family and friends.

 

1 quart of 2% milk

6 eggs

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup whipping cream, whipped

ground nutmeg

 

Directions

  • Heat milk in large saucepan until hot (do not boil or scald). While milk is heating, beat together eggs and salt in a large bowl, gradually adding the sugar.
  • Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture while continually stirring.
  • Transfer the mixture back to the large saucepan and cook on medium-low heat. Stir constantly with a whisk until the mixture thickens and just coats a spoon. The food thermometer should register 160° F. Stir in vanilla.
  • Cool quickly by setting pan in a bowl of ice or cold water and stirring for about 10 minutes.
  • Optional: Stir in 3-4 oz of bourbon or rum
  • Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, several hours or overnight.
  • Pour into a bowl or pitcher. Fold in whipped cream. Then dust with ground nutmeg and enjoy!

 

Looking for some delicious side dishes to add to your holiday meals? The Partnership for Food Safety Education has an extensive list of recipes for the holidays, which can be found at http://www.fightbac.org/recipes/.

 

WSU extension wishes you all a wonderful holiday season filled with good food and wonderful memories!

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