On Preparing A Roast

To prove that one does not need to be a gourmet chef - or even really know how to cook - today we are preparing a roast dinner for the family. If done properly a roast not only provides a hearty meal it requires little preparation and clean up. And while a salad may be nice and dessert is always welcome, the roast itself provides protein, starches and vegetables - no need for side dishes.

The most important ingredient for the roast is beef. While it is very likely that some uber-wealthy fools have prepared a roast with tenderloin, such a pricey cut of meat is not necessary. A good hunk of chuck is the cheapest way to go. But today we are using a top round. Age is important for meat. Be sure to follow this golden rule - as long as meat is used within one grocery shopping cycle it is still good. Our top round was acquired last week and since we need to go shopping tomorrow, it is still fine.

Set the oven to 350, throw the meat in a pan, add a few cups of water and maybe some seasoning and cook for an hour. At this point it is time to open the second most important ingredient - alcohol. Certainly the drink is not for the roast - it is for consumption. No bad cook should be without a good drink. A nice buzz not only helps one tolerate the kitchen experience it provides a good excuse if the meal goes bad.

Potatoes and carrots make the roast more than just a slab of meat. Search through the bottom of the pantry to locate your best potatoes. Remember, sprouts can be broken off but soft, dark spots could be trouble. Peel and cut the potatoes into 1/2" chunks. Baby carrots are always good unless they are slimey. Rinsing normally takes care of that problem. If you happen to find some canned potatoes and/or carrots it makes the job a bit easier. But they need not cook as long with the roast.

After an hour of cooking - or two drinks, whichever comes first - add the carrots and potatoes to the roast. Put back into the oven, still at 350, for about another hour. Timing is crucial for the roast. Not because you are concerned with it being raw or overcooked. Just be sure your spouse gets home from work within a half-hour of putting the roast back into the oven. By then you should be done with your third drink and the problem isn't yours anymore. And as long as you have a drink ready for your spouse it will be the best meal of the week.