Valentine’s Day has passed and stores are emptying their merchandise of chocolates, stuffed animals, roses and more. Retailers are preparing for Easter, but how do you keep the romance going? Should it be reserved for one special day?
Earlier this week, a dear friend asked me, “how does your marriage work? Do you have any advice?” I had to think about this question. We’ve only been married 5 (going on 6) years, but through both the good and the bad, we always seem to come out stronger than ever. The secret? We love and support each other everyday. When one of us is down, we lift the other person up. We know we can count on each other. Even when my husband is away at war, we support each other and show each other we care.
Just this weekend, I began to feel under the weather. We spent last week house hunting in Florida and have only been home for a short time. If there was ever a worse time to fall ill, it was now. Between day to day chores, getting ready to move, and keeping up with our young puppy, Rebel (who lives up to his name), “aint nobody got time for that!” My sweet husband, Chris, demanded I take the weekend to rest and recover on the sofa. How thoughtful and supportive! While I’m cozy on the couch, he has been cooking up a storm. He knows I typically cook during the weekend, so I don’t have to cook as often during the week. He pulled out his favorite Lodge cast iron pan and went to work creating the perfect Eye of Round Roast for our family. How thoughtful of him to give me a break! Plus, cooking meats is his specialty! Chris, like myself, enjoys getting creative in the kitchen. He mixes spices and seasonings to create a tender, juicy, and flavorful meat. Thus, why he is our household “Grill Sergeant!” Let your spouse or loved one show their love with this yummy recipe…so easy, anyone can do it! Enjoy!
Chris’s Eye ‘O’ Round Roast
This recipe was created by my husband, Chris Hylander. Can you tell he’s an Irish meat and potatoes man? Eye ‘O’ Round is often a cheaper and leaner cut of meat. If cooked improperly, it can become tough, but this recipe produces a tender, juicy roast every time. With just the right amount of herbs and spices, this roast is flavorful, has exquisite presentation, and will satisfy your family, as well as any guests.
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp fresh Rosemary, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh Thyme
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 2-3 lb Beef Eye ‘O’ Round roast
- *Optional- Brown Gravy/ Au Jus
Directions:
In a large, Lodge cast iron pan, warm 2 Tablespoons olive oil on Medium/Low heat. While the olive oil heats up, preheat oven to 475 degrees F. In a separate bowl, combine Garlic, Rosemary, Thyme, Onion powder, salt, pepper, and remaining olive oil. Coat roast in mixture and place roast in the cast iron pan with hot olive oil. Sear all sides until brown. Place roast in the oven and cook 9 minutes per pound or about 20 to 30 minutes. Once it has finished roasting at 475 degrees F, turn the temperature of your oven to 250 degrees F and continue to roast for about 45 minutes per pound. Once it has finished the entire roasting process, check to ensure the internal temperature is 160 degrees F. If it has not reached this internal temperature, set oven to 300 degrees F and continue roasting for 10-15 minutes or until 160 degree F internal temperature is maintained for a few minutes.
Allow the meat to rest while you prepare the rest of your meal and some delicious Au Jus (about 20 minutes).
Serve immediately or store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days after cooking. It tastes even better the next day!
Speaking of Au Jus, the word actually means “with juice” in French and is typically made of any remaining “juices” or liquid left in the pan. Some may think the remaining juices, filled with seasonings and burned bits, are the “dregs of of the dish.” However, that is where much of the flavor resides. Here’s how to make your own:
Quick and Easy Au Jus
Ingredients:
- 1 packet McCormick Brown Gravy/ Au Jus
- 1 cup remaining liquid from cooking a meat (typically beef)
- 2 cups water
Directions:
Combine ingredients in a sauce pan. Heat and serve immediately. Au Jus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days after cooking.
The phrase “Aint Nobody Got Time for That” has recently become popular due to a news story featuring Sweet Brown.
