Columnists, Food, Lifestyles, Opinion, Sam Warf
 By  Staff Reports Published 
6:12 am Thursday, December 14, 2017

Cooking with Sam: Change it up with one of these dishes

Sometimes at the holidays we have so much food of the same kind, we get burned out and want something that is not turkey, chicken and dressing and all the sides we think we have to prepare to go with the bird or ham. If you’re tired of the same old, same old, try one of these meat dishes for your next dinner or gathering.

Fool-Proof Roast

1-5 pound beef rib roast, trimmed

2 1/2 teaspoons of salt

1 teaspoon of garlic

1 teaspoon of black pepper

½ teaspoon of dried thyme

½ teaspoon of fennel seeds, crushed

2 pounds of potatoes, halved

1 onion, cut into wedges

3 tablespoon of horseradish

1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives

8 ounces of sour cream

Let beef stand to room temperature one hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Stir together salt, pepper, garlic, thyme and fennel seeds in small bowl. Put beef, rib side down, on a rack set in a roasting pan, and rub beef with spice/herb mixture.

Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part register at least 135 degrees for medium rare or 150 degrees for well done. Transfer to cutting board, but do not drain pan.

Cover roast with foil and let stand about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, boil potatoes and onion in a pot of salted water 10 minutes. Drain then sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt.

Remove rack from roasting pan, add vegetables and toss to coat with drippings.

Return pan to oven and roast until vegetables are browned and tender, about 30-40 minutes.

Make the dipping sauce: stir together sour cream, horseradish and chives in a bowl. This sauce is great with any beef.

Roasted Pork Loin

6 cloves minced garlic, about 2 tablespoons

1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

2-2.5 pound boneless pork loin roast, trimmed of fat

¼ cup olive oil

½ cup dry white wine

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Stir together garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper in small bowl. Brush mixture on roast and place on roasting pan.

Cook until an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast registers 145 degrees, for 1-1.5 hours.

When it reached 145 degrees, move it to a platter. Skim off fat from top of liquid in roasting pan. Add wine and bring to a simmer over medium heat on top of stove, stirring to loosen browned bits, until reduced slightly – about two minutes. Serve pan juices with pork.

These are two great ones to serve as pork or roast beef sandwiches.

Enjoy food and family.

Also on Franklin County Times
State rankings | Red Bay rises, hits first poll since 2020
High School Sports, Red Bay Tigers, Sports
By A. Stacy Long For the FCT 
October 29, 2025
Red Bay has pulled into the state rankings for the first time in five years. The Tigers are 10th in the latest Alabama Sports Writers Association Clas...
Principals honored by city’s school board
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
October 29, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — The City Schools Board of Education recognized the system’s principals during its Oct. 21 meeting. Superintendent Dr. Tim Guinn describ...
Rickman: ‘I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore’
Main, News, Z - News Main
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
October 29, 2025
TUSCUMBIA — When Carrie Rickman felt something unusual during a routine self-check in June 2018, she trusted her instincts. “I was just taking a showe...
Cultura Garden Club hosts district meeting
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
October 29, 2025
The Cultura Garden Club hosted the Garden Clubs of Alabama District 1 meeting at North Highlands Church of Christ. The theme of the meeting was “Roots...
Medicare Advantage helps preserve choice for seniors
Columnists, Opinion
October 29, 2025
In every corner of Alabama, one concern comes up repeatedly with family health care. Seniors worry about keeping it affordable. People with disabiliti...
Honoring his mother on Día de los Muertos
News, Russellville
Chelsea Retherford For the FCT 
October 29, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — When José Figueroa-Cifuentes lights a candle, he’s not just illuminating a wick — he’s keeping his mother’s legacy alive. A signature l...
Students respond to lure of competitive fishing
Belgreen Bulldogs, Phil Campbell Bobcats, Red Bay Tigers, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
October 29, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — A new countywide fishing team is giving more Franklin County students the chance to cast a line and compete. The Franklin County Angler...
UNA can’t figure out how to win on the road
Sports
David Glovach For the FCT 
October 29, 2025
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — The setting was different — the town, the stadium, the opposing team. The scene facing North Alabama, however, was the same leavi...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *