Roasting for Beginners (KitchenTips)

In the beginning, roasting was done on a turning spit over an open fire and the juices ran over the surface of the meat basting it continuously.

Nowadays most roasting takes place in the oven and offers a fast method of cooking tender portions of meat, poultry, and fish. The funny thing there are so many mixed messages when it comes to roasting. I don't know why..It seems pretty simple to me!

This is how you roast like a pro.You want to start with an oven that's preheated at a high temperature(375) to seal the meat thus preventing a loss of juices while at the same time caramelizing the surface.

After 10- 20 minutes, lower the temperature and continue roasting until done.

Some say ... meats should be basted to keep from drying out ( or that's what text books say..But I don't think it's necessary)they say some cuts of meat like pork are fatty enough and will require no basting. Basting is silly..I never do it.

Many books and many say..Sometimes it may be necessary to bard (tie pieces of fat to the surface of) what you are cooking to help with basting. This is when you slap bacon around meat while roasting. It's a very classical..old fashion idea. It's yummy but it's just another way to add unneeded fat calories..I don't do this either.

another silly thing they say..Birds can be cooked breast down to start and then finished on the other side to allow the juices and fat to flow into the breast meat. I cook my turkey right side up. The trick is to not over cook the bird in the first place. Take the bird out at 158-160 degrees. Let it rest for about 8-10 minutes. Ask any chef about this one..I beat they cook there bird right side up,too!

This point is actually a good one. Make sure you have a roasting pan that is the correct size for what you are cooking. Too big.... and the food may burn, too small and your roast may stick to the sides of the pan. Too shallow... and your oven will be a mess, too deep.....your food will steam, not roast.

Happy roasting..it's a simple easy way to prepare meat. It's very yummy too!