what joint of beef?

[SweetValentine]

I want to do a roast dinner on Sunday with enough meat for 8-10 people. What size joint do i want and what type? Anyone have a make ahead beef gravy recipe?

I'd do a rib of beef but it won't be cheap
www.paganum.co.uk/acatalog/Rib_of_Beef__for_10_.html

I'm not sure i could be bothered faffing with the ribs? How much ish - £50 or £100?

You won't be disappointed with rib, and there's no faffing. Just carve around the bones. For a big joint to feed 8-10 you'd probably be looking at about £50 - £60. I don't make my gravy ahead as I use all the juices from the meat and the water from the veggies in the roasting pan once the meat is out and resting.

Ribs are actually quite easy. Last Christmas I bought enough for 12 for £70 from a farm butcher.

You'll probably find quite a lot of advice about cooking ribs on the Christmas threads!

I usually put the joint on when I get up and take it out late morning, wrapping it in loads of foil, towels and then an old duvet. This means I can then make the gravy, thermos it, and drive to whichever is the victim hostess sister for dinner.

If I'm the hostess too, I still cook it early, to free the oven up for roast potatoes, yorkies etc, which need a higher temperature than the beef.

I was just going to go with www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1805651/herb-and-pepper-crusted-rib-of-beef and cross my fingers!

Beef ordered from the butchers.

Any suggestions for dessert? Not sure whether to do valentine's themed or pancakes...

Heart shaped shortbread stacks or heart shaped strawberry cream tarts. Something easy you can prepare in advance. Or a Pavlov. Or lemon meringue roulade. I bloody love puddings!

Hmm, I was tempted by this - www.sweetandsavorybyshinee.com/chocolate-mousse-crepe-cake-recipe/