A celebratory or festive centre piece with a 5 rib or sirloin joint, Cranberry and Parmesan Stuffing with roasted shallots and Madeira gravy.

The third in our series of alternative Christmas dishes. You can find the previous suggestions here

Ingredients:-

 1.3kg-1.8kg/3-4lb 5 rib or sirloin joint

 75g/3oz butter, softened

 1 large bunch fresh thyme leaves

 Salt and freshly milled black pepper

 20-25 shallots, peeled and left whole

 30-60ml/2-4tbsp good, aged, balsamic vinegar

 15ml/1tbsp plain flour

 300ml/½ pint hot, good beef stock

 150ml/¼ pint Madeira or Port

For the Cranberry and Parmesan Stuffing:-

 175g/6oz fresh white or wholemeal breadcrumbs

 45ml/3tbsp dried cranberries or raisins

 30ml/2tbsp pinenuts

 75g/3oz grated Parmesan cheese

 30ml/2tbsp freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley

 2 large eggs, beaten

 50g/2oz butter, melted

 Salt and freshly milled black pepper

Method:-

(1) Preheat the oven to Gas mark 4-5, 180-190°C, 350-375°F.

(2) Prepare the thyme butter: In a small bowl mix together the butter, thyme leaves and seasoning.

(3) Place the joint on a chopping board and spread generously with the thyme butter.

(4) Place on a metal rack in a large non-stick roasting tin and open roast for the preferred, calculated cooking time, basting occasionally with any beef juices.

(5) 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, remove the joint from the tin with the rack, add the shallots to the pan with the balsamic vinegar, and gently shake. Place the joint directly on top of the shallots, and return to the oven.

(6) When the beef is ready remove the joint from the tin with the vegetables and transfer to a warmed plate, cover and set aside to rest.

(7) Prepare the gravy; Spoon off any excess fat from the roasting tin and discard. Place the tin over a medium heat and sprinkle over the flour. Stir well with a small whisk or spoon, add a little stock and stir again, scraping the base of the pan to release any rich, beefy sediment.

(8) Add the remaining stock, Madeira or Port and any meat juices from the platter, adjust the seasoning, if required and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until reduced to a well-flavoured gravy. Strain before serving.

(9) Serve with roast potatoes, roasted parsnips, cranberry and parmesan stuffing and the gravy

Cranberry & Parmesan Stuffing:-

(1) Preheat the oven to Gas mark 5, 190°C, 375°F.

(2) Line a 450g/1lb loaf tin with baking parchment or greaseproof paper.

(3) In a small bowl mix together the remaining ingredients.

(4) Lightly spoon the stuffing into the loaf tin and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool slightly, then remove the stuffing from tin and slice into portions.

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