Holiday Feast Tips: Savory Tricks and Must-Have Treats for Perfect Meals

Holiday Feast Tips: Savory Tricks & Must-Have Treats for Perfect Meals

Take your holiday feast up a notch with these savory tips. The trick? It’s all in the details. The experts have weighed in, and we’re here to share the (tasty) results. 

Multiple Choice: Elevate Your Feast with Double R Ranch USDA Choice Steaks

Double R Ranch USDA Choice steaks are sourced from our network of family ranches in the Northwest, where the climate is ideal for quality beef. Good marbling and great flavor make these steaks a tremendous value. An excellent way to sample a robust tomahawk or try a butcher’s cut like the teres major.

DRR USDA Choice Tomahawk | 2.5 lbs. | $79 > Shop Now

DRR USDA Choice Teres Major | 1.5 lbs. | $32 > Shop Now

The Perfect Temperature: Fast & Accurate Thermometer for Perfect Roasts & Steaks

No need to play the “is it done yet?” guessing game when you have this accurate, fast read thermometer. Take the temp in just one second and serve a perfect steak or roast every time.

Thermapen® ONE | $109 > Shop Now

How Do You Like Them Apples? Sweeten Your holiday Breakfast with Apple Brined Bacon 

Make your holiday breakfast delicious, and a touch sweet, with our artisan uncured bacon from the experts at Journeyman Meat Co. They start with SRF Kurobuta pork bellies and brine them in real Sonoma apple juice, then smoke over real applewood for a nuanced sweetness and smokey, savory finish.

Apple Brined Uncured Bacon |  12 oz. |  $19 > Shop Now

Take it with You: Jacobsen Infused Salt Tins for Perfect Flavor Anywhere

Pack these handy slide tins of Jacobsen salts to season meals out on the town or outside for picnics and camping. This gift worthy package contains six tins including Pure Flake Salt and five flavorful salt infusions that range from aromatic to spicy. Each container holds about ½ ounce.

Jacobsen Infused Slide Tin Collection | $38 > Shop Now

Chill Out: Does Resting Your Roast at Room Temperature Improve Cooking?

Should you let your roast sit at room temperature before cooking? Many chefs and home cooks say the meat will cook faster and more evenly. We agree with Kenji Lopez-Alt, chef and author of The Food Lab. His research (and our own experience) found letting a roast rest at room temperature does not have a significant impact on cooking time or finished quality. If you decide to temper your roast before cooking, target a maximum of four hours as recommended by the USDA.

How to Season Prime Rib: Simple Tips for a Delicious Roast 

One of the most frequently asked questions is how and when to season a holiday roast. Our beautifully marbled prime ribs are delicious seasoned with just salt and pepper, but feel free to use aromatics like garlic and rosemary. SRF Rosemary Roast Seasoning is an easy short cut for a decadent prime rib.

SRF Rosemary Roast Seasoning | $15 > Shop Now 

 The Long Game: Unlocking Maximum Flavor for Your Prime Rib 

For the most savory seasoned prime rib, start 24 to 48 hours in advance. Season generously on all sides and place the prime rib uncovered in the refrigerator. This allows time for the salt and seasonings to impart flavor to the beef and dries the surface of roast for a golden brown sear.

Quick Start: The Best Way to Season Prime Rib When Time is Tight

Short on time? Season your prime rib 15 or 20 minutes before placing it in the oven. The surface of the roast will remain dry and it will cook nicely. Don’t try to extend the time. After about 25 or 30 minutes, the salt pulls water from the roast and will create a moist exterior. (When allowed to sit overnight, this surface moisture is reabsorbed by the roast.)

Iron It Out: Smithey No. 12 Cast Iron Skillet - A Timeless Kitchen Essential

This handcrafted cast iron skillet from Smithey melds classic style with modern workmanship. Its 12” diameter provides enough surface area to cook up meals for four. The signature polished interior is beautiful to behold and is naturally non-stick. A wonderful addition to your kitchen and makes a special gift.

Smithey No. 12 Cast Iron Skillet | $210 > Shop Now

How to Slice a Bone-In Ham: Expert Tips for Perfect Slices Every Time 

You’ve probably heard chefs say to slice meat “against the grain.” But where exactly is the grain on a ham? The muscles that make up a ham run parallel to the bone. The natural tendency is to simply slice along the side, but this cuts the ham with the grain. Cut large sections of the ham in the same direction of the bone. Turn these on their side, then slice the smaller sections and serve.