Any tips for cooking a sunday roast?

Heineken Helen

The bf's mother has had us over for sunday lunch a few times... but tomorrow she's working til 5 so we've offered to go over and have it ready for when she gets back :shock: so any tips on getting things right? Roast potatoes have proven quite difficult in the past (we're cooking lamb by the way)

Cinnamon Girl

I am the worst cook, ever.

But good luck to you!

mickeyrat

Have you tried looking up recipes on the internet? Maybe food network site?

Heineken Helen

oh yeh, i found plenty of sites... with good info... but people are usually better with tips here... not trying to be culinary gods, just good basic food and easy tips. Never cooked a roast before lol, but i'm ok at cooking... havent killed anyone yet! thanks cinnamon girl

urbanhippie

Par-boil your potatoes and make sure the tin and the oven are really hot before you put them in.

Lamb is better if you cook it slowly.

Good Luck Hels

Heineken Helen

urbanhippie wrote:

Par-boil your potatoes and make sure the tin and the oven are really hot before you put them in.

Lamb is better if you cook it slowly.

Good Luck Hels

Par boil? :? and how slowly?

there's only the one oven... do we do everything together at the same heat? Or do we cook the lamb first (how long should it take) and then do everything else? :? It just seems like there's so much to a roast dinner... that I'm gonna get easily confused. And we'll be cooking for about 7... I dunno how to cook for more than 2.

The bf will probably take over (cos he's always right, lol, but when it comes to cooking, I'm better so he's not so I wanna know what I'm doing so he doesn't take over and ruin it )

Heineken Helen

we'll have about three hours to cook... is that long enough? see how clueless i am! do ya stick anything to the lamb... like glazing???

Mudfest

Slow cooker ...and you cant go wrong !
Easy gravy too

M

Heineken Helen

Mudfest wrote:

Slow cooker ...and you cant go wrong !
Easy gravy too

M

dont know if she has a slow cooker... it will be in the oven! yup, i can make gravy

Indian Summer

I agree with who ever said the slow cooker / Crock pot. And don't forget to use one of the slow cooker liners, makes cleanup a helluva lot easier. throw some onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes in that bad boy too.

urbanhippie

Heineken Helen wrote:

urbanhippie wrote:

Par-boil your potatoes and make sure the tin and the oven are really hot before you put them in.

Lamb is better if you cook it slowly.

Good Luck Hels

Par boil? :? and how slowly?

there's only the one oven... do we do everything together at the same heat? Or do we cook the lamb first (how long should it take) and then do everything else? :? It just seems like there's so much to a roast dinner... that I'm gonna get easily confused. And we'll be cooking for about 7... I dunno how to cook for more than 2.

The bf will probably take over (cos he's always right, lol, but when it comes to cooking, I'm better so he's not so I wanna know what I'm doing so he doesn't take over and ruin it )

Put the lamb in first, don't know how long it'll take, cos I don't know how big it is. Cook it on a medium heat. Cover it with foil first and chuck a few veggies underneath it in the pan. Onions, garlic, rosemary, maybe a lemon, whatever you like.

About a hour before it's done, boil the potatoes for about 8-10 minutes in salted water. Drain them and shake them about a bit. While they're boiling, whack the oven up to max and put a tin in with some oil/fat whatever. When the fat in the tin is good and hot, tip the potatoes in, shake em up a little and then leave them to roast for about 45 minutes in a hot oven.

Make sense?

Heineken Helen

urbanhippie wrote:

Put the lamb in first, don't know how long it'll take, cos I don't know how big it is. Cook it on a medium heat. Cover it with foil first and chuck a few veggies underneath it in the pan. Onions, garlic, rosemary, maybe a lemon, whatever you like.

About a hour before it's done, boil the potatoes for about 8-10 minutes in salted water. Drain them and shake them about a bit. While they're boiling, whack the oven up to max and put a tin in with some oil/fat whatever. When the fat in the tin is good and hot, tip the potatoes in, shake em up a little and then leave them to roast for about 45 minutes in a hot oven.

Make sense?

PERFECT SENSE! thank you! So medium heat... about 170? Max... or about 220? Mmm... roasted veggies... not sure what veggies there's gonna be cos his mom's actually buying the food and we're just gonna cook it :oops: but it's usually carrots and some greens... and we usually have yorkshire pudding too, yummy yummy yum! Now MASH I can handle

Heineken Helen

Indian Summer wrote:

I agree with who ever said the slow cooker / Crock pot. And don't forget to use one of the slow cooker liners, makes cleanup a helluva lot easier. throw some onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes in that bad boy too.

That sounds fantastic too... but I think we're just gonna go for the oven idea :oops: but some other time, thank you!

urbanhippie

Heineken Helen wrote:

urbanhippie wrote:

Put the lamb in first, don't know how long it'll take, cos I don't know how big it is. Cook it on a medium heat. Cover it with foil first and chuck a few veggies underneath it in the pan. Onions, garlic, rosemary, maybe a lemon, whatever you like.

About a hour before it's done, boil the potatoes for about 8-10 minutes in salted water. Drain them and shake them about a bit. While they're boiling, whack the oven up to max and put a tin in with some oil/fat whatever. When the fat in the tin is good and hot, tip the potatoes in, shake em up a little and then leave them to roast for about 45 minutes in a hot oven.

Make sense?

PERFECT SENSE! thank you! So medium heat... about 170? Max... or about 220? Mmm... roasted veggies... not sure what veggies there's gonna be cos his mom's actually buying the food and we're just gonna cook it :oops: but it's usually carrots and some greens... and we usually have yorkshire pudding too, yummy yummy yum! Now MASH I can handle

Dunno about the numbers, 'cos I use gas :?

You making yorkshire pudding from scratch? Brave lady...

Heineken Helen

urbanhippie wrote:

Dunno about the numbers, 'cos I use gas :?

You making yorkshire pudding from scratch? Brave lady...

Of course not, lol, just put them in the oven... the instructions should be easy to follow on the pack.

Hmm... ok, I'll guess the numbers... cos max on the numbers thing might just char everything... or maybe she has gas... that'd make things easier.. I dunno

urbanhippie

Heineken Helen wrote:

urbanhippie wrote:

Dunno about the numbers, 'cos I use gas :?

You making yorkshire pudding from scratch? Brave lady...

Of course not, lol, just put them in the oven... the instructions should be easy to follow on the pack.

Hmm... ok, I'll guess the numbers... cos max on the numbers thing might just char everything... or maybe she has gas... that'd make things easier.. I dunno

The lamb should have some cooking guidelines on the packaging. That'll help you.

Make sure the oven is really hot for the potatoes if you want 'em crispy

Heineken Helen

urbanhippie wrote:

Heineken Helen wrote:

urbanhippie wrote:

Dunno about the numbers, 'cos I use gas :?

You making yorkshire pudding from scratch? Brave lady...

Of course not, lol, just put them in the oven... the instructions should be easy to follow on the pack.

Hmm... ok, I'll guess the numbers... cos max on the numbers thing might just char everything... or maybe she has gas... that'd make things easier.. I dunno

The lamb should have some cooking guidelines on the packaging. That'll help you.

Make sure the oven is really hot for the potatoes if you want 'em crispy

Ooohh cooking guidelines will be very welcome

okies... hot hot hot oven seriously thanks a mil for your help.. I think I've got it now... but woulda been clueless otherwise

Ridin The Wave

I've always put the potatoes in with the meat right from the beginning. Just make sure you have about 3/4" of water in the bottom of the roasting pan at ALL times. Don't let it run dry or the potatoes will burn quickly. I always always always put in onion, garlic cloves, salt, pepper and french onion soup mix in with the meat and potatoes from the get-go. Can't go wrong really.

I think I've just decided that I'm having lamb tomorrow too!

Have fun!

Heineken Helen

Ridin The Wave wrote:

I've always put the potatoes in with the meat right from the beginning. Just make sure you have about 3/4" of water in the bottom of the roasting pan at ALL times. Don't let it run dry or the potatoes will burn quickly. I always always always put in onion, garlic cloves, salt, pepper and french onion soup mix in with the meat and potatoes from the get-go. Can't go wrong really.

I think I've just decided that I'm having lamb tomorrow too!

Have fun!

mmmmm... that also sounds yum. How do the roast potatoes stay crispy on the outside though if they're in water?

mickeyrat

Pinot here...it's been my experience that if you want crispy roasted potatoes, they need to be cooked apart from the lamb. I generally do the onions, garlic gloves, onion soup mix, and seasoning with the roast, and then cook the potatoes in a pan by themselves to have them crispy. If I cook them with the roast, they have awesome flavor, but more the consistency of baked potatoes.

Heineken Helen

mickeyrat wrote:

Pinot here...it's been my experience that if you want crispy roasted potatoes, they need to be cooked apart from the lamb. I generally do the onions, garlic gloves, onion soup mix, and seasoning with the roast, and then cook the potatoes in a pan by themselves to have them crispy. If I cook them with the roast, they have awesome flavor, but more the consistency of baked potatoes.

thanks pinot... I was gonna go with urbanhippie's original suggestion anyway... cos that's what I do... if something sounds good, go with it... if other people say other good stuff, I get confused, so I have to put them to the back of my head lol

mickeyrat

Heineken Helen wrote:

thanks pinot... I was gonna go with urbanhippie's original suggestion anyway... cos that's what I do... if something sounds good, go with it... if other people say other good stuff, I get confused, so I have to put them to the back of my head lol

Yeah, I know what you mean!! Too many cooks spoil the broth...LOL So, what time's dinner??

Heineken Helen

mickeyrat wrote:

Heineken Helen wrote:

thanks pinot... I was gonna go with urbanhippie's original suggestion anyway... cos that's what I do... if something sounds good, go with it... if other people say other good stuff, I get confused, so I have to put them to the back of my head lol

Yeah, I know what you mean!! Too many cooks spoil the broth...LOL So, what time's dinner??

about 5 3 hours long enough to cook a lamb big enough for 7 people ya reckon? Or should we get over there before 2?

mickeyrat

Heineken Helen wrote:

mickeyrat wrote:

Heineken Helen wrote:

thanks pinot... I was gonna go with urbanhippie's original suggestion anyway... cos that's what I do... if something sounds good, go with it... if other people say other good stuff, I get confused, so I have to put them to the back of my head lol

Yeah, I know what you mean!! Too many cooks spoil the broth...LOL So, what time's dinner??

about 5 3 hours long enough to cook a lamb big enough for 7 people ya reckon? Or should we get over there before 2?

Really based on the weight of the lamb. Pinot asks " How big is it, and what temp are you roasting it at? Also what cut of lamb is it? Lamb leg - bone-in or out. Shank? Shoulder roast?

Cinnamon Girl

You gotta let us know how it worked out!

Heineken Helen

mickeyrat wrote:

Really based on the weight of the lamb. Pinot asks " How big is it, and what temp are you roasting it at? Also what cut of lamb is it? Lamb leg - bone-in or out. Shank? Shoulder roast?

oh fucked if I know but the bf just cooked pizza... so apparently it's my turn to cook tomorrow (yeh, fair deal pizza for sunday roast ) but i'll have the sister in law there to help (who urbanhippie knows) so I'm sure we'll figure it out.

Heineken Helen

Cinnamon Girl wrote:

You gotta let us know how it worked out!

will do... absolutely! I'm completely winging it here... but I enjoy shit like that... just need to know what I'm doing first

Ridin The Wave

Heineken Helen wrote:

Ridin The Wave wrote:

I've always put the potatoes in with the meat right from the beginning. Just make sure you have about 3/4" of water in the bottom of the roasting pan at ALL times. Don't let it run dry or the potatoes will burn quickly. I always always always put in onion, garlic cloves, salt, pepper and french onion soup mix in with the meat and potatoes from the get-go. Can't go wrong really.

I think I've just decided that I'm having lamb tomorrow too!

Have fun!

mmmmm... that also sounds yum. How do the roast potatoes stay crispy on the outside though if they're in water?

They end up being soft-ish roasted potatoes. The "roasted" part of these potatoes is the flavor. I love 'em....

Have fun tomorrow!

Heineken Helen

wow wow wow, I have to say that was probably the nicest meal I've EVER had :oops: it was fantastic... and the roast potatoes came out PERFECT first time :shock: so the bf did the lamb but just had onions in the tray with it but it was fantastic. Me and his sister did the roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, roast parsnips, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, stuffing, cauliflower cheese, yorkshire pudding and gravy. We didn't burn anything and it was sooo much fun... definitely gonna do that again loads . His mom's happy to BUY the food but she hates cooking roast dinners... so it makes soooo much sense cos we love cooking

So thank you all soooooooo much for the advice... urbanhippie, I followed yours to a tee and it was simple.

urbanhippie

Heineken Helen wrote:

wow wow wow, I have to say that was probably the nicest meal I've EVER had :oops: it was fantastic... and the roast potatoes came out PERFECT first time :shock: so the bf did the lamb but just had onions in the tray with it but it was fantastic. Me and his sister did the roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, roast parsnips, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, stuffing, cauliflower cheese and gravy. We didn't burn anything and it was sooo much fun... definitely gonna do that again loads . His mom's happy to BUY the food but she hates cooking roast dinners... so it makes soooo much sense cos we love cooking

So thank you all soooooooo much for the advice... urbanhippie, I followed yours to a tee and it was simple.

Awesome

Glad it worked out OK Hels.

Heineken Helen

urbanhippie wrote:

Heineken Helen wrote:

wow wow wow, I have to say that was probably the nicest meal I've EVER had :oops: it was fantastic... and the roast potatoes came out PERFECT first time :shock: so the bf did the lamb but just had onions in the tray with it but it was fantastic. Me and his sister did the roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, roast parsnips, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, stuffing, cauliflower cheese and gravy. We didn't burn anything and it was sooo much fun... definitely gonna do that again loads . His mom's happy to BUY the food but she hates cooking roast dinners... so it makes soooo much sense cos we love cooking

So thank you all soooooooo much for the advice... urbanhippie, I followed yours to a tee and it was simple.

Awesome

Glad it worked out OK Hels.

Yip fantastic... I had to leave the table cos I would have polished EVERYTHING off but thank you soooo much for the advice.