When the "Steaks" are high (Herbed Sirloin Tip Roast)

Talk about job pressure. As I'm leaving work Friday afternoon, my second level boss says, "Ken, what are you making this weekend?" I hope this meal is mentioned at my next performance review.

HERBED SIRLOIN TIP ROAST

2 lb sirloin tip rolled roast
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp rosemary
1/2 tsp oregano
Dash cayenne pepper
Salt
Black pepper
2 tbsp shortening

Rinse and pat dry the roast. Crush and mix the herbs and spices, then sprinkle and pat all over the roast.
If you do not have a cooking mortar and pestle it's time to get one.

It really is a great help in crushing spices, particularly rosemary.


In a cast iron skillet over medium high heat, melt the shortening and sear the roast 2-3 minutes on all sides until dark and crusted.


Place the roast on a rack in the skillet and put in a 325 F oven on the bottom rack until the internal temperature is 150 F (about 1 1/4 hrs). Let rest for 10 minutes and slice thin across the grain.


For a sauce, mix 1 package of McCormicks Au Jus with 2 cups of water and the deglazed drippings from the skillet.







ONION ROASTED POTATOES

1/2 pkg Lipton's onion soup mix
1 lb potatoes (4 medium or 6 small)
3 tbsp olive oil
Sour cream (optional)

Peel potatoes and cut into 1 to 1 1/2 inch chunks. Put onion mix in a plastic bag, add potato chunks and shake until potatoes are coated with the onion mix. Empty potatoes into a shallow baking dish, drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Bake for 30 minutes in a 425 F oven or until potatoes are tender and golden brown. Roll potatoes once or twice during roasting. Serve with sour cream if desired. Serves 4. (Rev. 11/5/93)

JELLO WITH DARK CHERRIES
1 pkg black cherry Jello
1 can (15 oz) dark cherries, well drained
1 cup boiling water
1 cup liquid, reserved syrup with water added
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped 1/4 inch

Prepare Jello according to directions in a 1 1/2 quart dish. Refrigerate for 45 minutes, and stir in cherries and walnuts. Refrigerate for a total of 4 hours.


The roast was incredibly tender.

I did the potatoes on the grill in a roasting pan using the indirect heating method.

Carol and are going to have the Jello with black cherries and walnuts for an evening snack.