Have you ever heard of ‘engagement chicken’?  It’s a recipe for oven roasted chicken that is so incredibly delicious that supposedly if a woman makes it for her boyfriend it will guarantee a marriage proposal.  It’s that good.  Well, perhaps your boyfriend prefers beef or perhaps you just want to surprise your treasured hubby with a mouth-watering dinner – maybe in exchange for a new piece of jewelry!

Have I got a recipe for you!   Ginger came upon this recipe about twenty years ago – it is from chef Richard Perkins, formerly of Poor Richards restaurant in Ogunquit, Maine; this was one of their signature dishes.  It is super easy with the only caveat being that it takes several hours in the oven.  If that fits into your schedule, you will not be disappointed.  It is a perfect dish for a cool, fall day, but I bet your man will like it anytime of year!

YANKEE POT ROAST

5-6 lb chuck roast                                     1 clove garlic, minced

2 cups red wine                                        1/2 cup dark brown sugar

2 cups tomato juice                                 2 bay leaves

1 large onion, finely minced                  salt and pepper to taste

2 carrots, finely minced                          1/4 tsp nutmeg

Place the meat in a heavy roasting pan that has a tight lid.  Mix all the other ingredients together and pour over the meat.  Cover.  Place in preheated 350degree oven; turn down temperature to 250 after 1 hour, then cook for additional 5 hours, about one hour per pound.  Turn the meat over once halfway through cooking time.  The cooking liquid makes an amazing gravy – simply thicken it with cornstarch mixed in a little water before adding.   Serve with mashed potatoes and wait for the rave reviews – or maybe the Tiffany box!

Hope you enjoy!