Tag: tips

All About Holiday Roasting

By Elesha Ergle, RDN

 

 

It is hard to believe that Christmas is upon us! Whether you’re busy trying to finish up those last-minute gifts or scrambling to get paperwork done before the end of the year, count on beef to help make your holidays go smoothly. The holidays are the perfect time to try out some new techniques and recipes for the perfect Christmas Roast.

 

 

Oven Roasting

Many will shy away at the very thought of an large and pricy cut of meat that you have to cook in the oven. Fear no more! Beef It’s What’s for Dinner is here to the rescue with all the information you could need bring the perfect Christmas roast to the table. If you are looking for a step-by-step tutorial, here is a great video from Fine Cooking on how to reverse sear the perfect prime rib roast.

 

 

Slow Cooking

Slow cookers are among the favorite ways to cook a delicious, tender roast. If you enjoy a roast with gravy and vegetables this Ultimate Slow Cooker Pot Roast is a must for your recipe collection. Wow your guests with a Mississippi Roast from your slow cooker and the only worry you will have is washing the dishes.

 

 

Electric Pressure Cooking (EPC)

Did you get an EPC for Christmas last year and still haven’t used it? Now is a good time to start! You can produce an easy, delicious holiday roast in less than half the time of oven roasting or slow cooking. If you are worried about where to start, Conquer Your Instant Pot with Chef Alli. When you’ve mastered the basics, give this Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots recipe a try.

 

 

The Perfect Cut

When you are shopping for the perfect cut of meat for your roast, be sure to choose a size that will work well for the equipment that you are going to use. Most slow cookers or electric pressure cookers can comfortably hold a 4-5 pound roast. While prime rib or chuck roasts are among the most popular for holiday roasting, there are many other choices as well. Beef It’s What’s For Dinner can help with a listing of different cooking methods, the best choice of cuts, and recipes for all your roasting needs

 

 

Be Merry and get roasting this holiday season. Merry Christmas from all of us at Alabama Cattlemen’s Association!

 

 

State Checkoff color_nobackgroundThis article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Progam. Paid for by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers.

Food Safety For the Win!

Be the MVP of Your Tailgate with Unbeatable Food Safety Skills

By Elesha Ergle, RDN

 

 

College football season is here, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Whether your favorite tailgating memories are from childhood, college, or just last weekend, a few of your memories are sure to include some of your favorite foods. Beef is always a staple in our family football gatherings or for tailgating near campus, and food safety is always a top priority for my team. Safe food handling before, during and after cooking can be the difference between a win or loss at your next gathering. Be the MVP of your party and know proper preparation, cooking and holding techniques for beef to prevent food-borne illnesses.

 

Pre-game Instructions

When purchasing beef, pay attention to the ‘use-by’ or ‘best before’ dates stamped on the packages, and keep beef refrigerated at 40 degrees (or below) until ready to use. Store raw beef on the bottom shelf of refrigerator or place in a shallow pan to prevent package from leaking on to other items.  If purchasing frozen beef, avoid packages with ice crystals, which is an indication of thawing and re-freezing. Always wash your hands before and after handling raw beef, and keep raw foods separate from cooked foods. For more information, Beef It’s What’s For Dinner has an entire page to assist you in safely handling beef from start to finish.

 

Kick-Off

You have safely handled your pre-game warm up, now it’s time to cook some delicious beef recipes for your football party! No tailgate is complete without some sort of nachos or cheese dip. Beef up your regular old queso with this Crock Pot Queso Dip, using the slow cooker to safely hold your dip for up to four hours, so you can graze over it the whole game. Call an audible on your nacho game with some Cowboy Nachos by Ree Drummond, which uses brisket instead of ground beef; or give your fans something to cheer about when they make their own nacho creations with these easy Big Game Fritos Pies.

 

The After Party

Using proper heat sources such as chaffing dishes or slow cookers, beef can be safely held at 135 degrees or higher for up to four hours; foods should then be discarded and not kept for reuse, even if they are to be reheated. Use this USDA guide for safe food handling to help you keep all your foods safe at home and away games.

 

No matter what team you are cheering for, football season is a great time to grab some beef and get your party going! For more recipes, food safety information, and to learn more about beef from pasture to plate, visit Beef It’s What’s For Dinner.

 

State Checkoff color_nobackgroundThis article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Progam. Paid for by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers.