Christmas Day Roast Beast.

 It was a lovely day, starting a bit early but well worth it. Got a new kitchen gadget to use and did so though it was difficult at first. It is apparently the Best mandolin slicer used by professional chefs, it does slice well but instructions were not read first. No flesh cutting happened but it was frightening for a bit as the potatoes were not cooperating and suctioning onto the deck of the slicer.

It is apparently the Best mandolin slicer used by professional chefs, it does slice well but instructions were not read first.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No flesh cutting happened but it was frightening for a bit as the potatoes were not cooperating and suctioning onto the deck of the slicer. The thickness is adjustable and I chose 1/4 inch thick for cooking the potatoes. I also quartered the larger pieces as well so they cook faster.

What? Slicing potatoes instead of cubing? Yes indeed! A little trick I learned from America's Test Kitchen and when I tried to look it up online they only said to slice them thin. Cuts cooking time considerably and they turn out perfectly cooked without any mushiness or starch in the water.

On to the Roast Beast. I used the 3 envelope chuck roast recipe and was going to do a pie but had no veggies so just the roast and mashed potatoes this time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seared the meat with a little butter and oil and while that was cooking mixed up the three packets and sliced the garlic. I added some of the mandarin juice as well just because.

 

Put it on low while we were at my daughters for the morning which was about four hours, came home and put it on high for two hours and it was perfect. Let me tell you the apartment smelled fantastic when we go home!

Delicious meat and made gravy from the juices. The juice/gravy was a bit ... tart? Something like that, not a good mellow beef flavor so I think putting two packets of beef gravy or the beef and mushroom works better. The vinegar base for the dressings kind of overpowered the beef flavor. Still a fantastic dinner and might try to do this again with the pork I have but use a different combination of flavorings. 

Merry Christmas to everyone and hoping all your cooking is perfect and many compliments your way!