I cooked a roast tonight.  My husband came to the table and had the smallest portion he could have put on his plate.  If you know him, you know he does NOT need to be on a diet.  He's quite a healthy size so I wondered why such a small portion.  I was asking this as he takes a bite and says "well, I didn't think this was going to taste so good.  I normally don't like roast".  He got up and put more on his plate.  Yay for another good dinner that impresses the husband and the 14 month old.

Ingredients:
2 lb. beef chuck roast
1 - 32 oz can diced tomatoes
2 large onions, sliced
1 bulb elephant garlic, sliced (regular garlic I'm sure would be great too)
1 t. dried rosemary
1t. dried thyme
1 T. dried basil
pinch of salt and pepper (for searing meat)
1 T. grapseed/canola or other high smoke point cooking oil (for searing meat)
1 T. olive oil
Fresh parmesan cheese for grating (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
   
2. Pat meat dry, rub with salt and pepper (I like fresh ground pepper).
3. Heat cast iron dutch oven over high heat and add oil.
4. When the pot is really hot add the meat and do NOT move it or flip it until it releases nicely from the pan.  This is how you know you have a good sear.  A nice brown crust is so important for good flavor here!
5. Remove roast after each side is seared and set it aside for a moment.
6. Turn burner off and add tomatoes, olive oil, spices, sliced onion and sliced garlic.  Stir to combine.
7. Place meat on top of tomato mixture and put the lid on the dutch oven.
8. Bake (technically a braise I think) in the oven for 1.5 hours at 350.  Then turn oven down to 250 and cook another 1/2 hour or so.  (I don't remember the exact timing but I don't think it matters anyway).
9. You can check the meat to see if it's done.  It should be fork tender and should flake apart easily.
10. Top with a little freshly grated parmesan cheese and serve with a nice green salad and a baked potato for a deliciously balanced meal.

*Like always... I hope I didn't miss a step or ingredient.  I'm horrible about that.  Please let me know how your dinner turns out!  I'd love to hear your comments.  If you have a favorite roast recipe please share it too.

When I get a break from chasing my now walking one year old I've managed to work on a new workshop.  I plan to offer a baby food making workshop and presentation in the very near future.  I'd like to know what you would like to learn.  What are your struggles in feeding your family?  What about food, feeding and nutrition puzzles you the most when the time comes to start offering solids to your little ones?  Do you have a picky eater and wonder how you will ever get him/her to eat a balanced meal?  Please send me all your questions, comments and wisdom.  I'm looking forward to working with you soon!  Thank you in advance for sharing with me!