HERB CABINET RECIPES

Steps:

• To turn a head of cauliflower into rice, there are two options. Use a food processor or use a box grater.
• If using a food processor, cut the head of cauliflower into medium chunks and remove the core. Working in batches, add the cauliflower to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the cauliflower is broken down into very small bits that resemble rice (see photo above).
• If using a box grater, cut the head of cauliflower into quarters and remove the core. Use the medium-sized holes to grate each quarter into small bits resembling rice.
• Optional step, for the best cauliflower rice, before cooking, transfer the riced cauliflower to a clean dish towel and press to remove excess moisture.
• Add the almonds to a large skillet over medium heat. Stir the almonds around the pan until they are fragrant and lightly toasted, about 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the nuts since they do toast quickly. Transfer the toasted almonds to a bowl and save for later.
• Return the skillet to the heat and add the butter. When the butter is melted and bubbling, stir in the garlic. Cook the garlic, stirring it around the pan, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Add the cauliflower rice, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook, stirring every once and a while, until the cauliflower rice is crisp-tender and starts to turn light brown in places, 7 to 10 minutes.
• Take the skillet off of the heat, and then stir in the fresh herbs, lemon juice, and toasted almonds. Taste then adjust with additional salt, pepper or lemon juice.

Steps:

• Using a rigid boning knife, trim off all but 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the fat from the exterior of the roast. Using the knife tip, make 5 slits across the top, each 1/8 inch wide and 1/2 inch deep. Place the roast, fat side up, in a roasting pan.
• In a small bowl, combine the garlic, thyme, rosemary, the 1 Tbs. salt and the 1 1/2 tsp. pepper. Stir in enough olive oil to make a thick paste. Coat the roast with the garlic-herb paste, pushing some into the slits. Let stand for 30 to 60 minutes.
• Preheat an oven to 450°F.
• Roast the meat for 20 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the meat, away from the bone, registers 125° to 130°F for very rare to medium-rare, about 1 hour and 10 minutes more. Cover the roast with aluminum foil if it begins to get too brown. Transfer the roast to a carving board, cover loosely with foil and let rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Pour off most of the fat from the pan and set the pan over medium heat. Add the stock and bring to a boil, stirring to scrape up the browned bits from the pan bottom. Whisk in the demi-glace and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper and transfer to a sauceboat. Carve the roast and arrange on a warmed platter. Pass the sauce alongside. Serves 10.
• Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Mastering Series, <i>Beef & Veal</i>, by Denis Kelly (Simon & Schuster, 2005).