Super easy, super tasty pot roast

   This is one of my favorite recipes.  It takes a bit of time, but it is quite easy and always comes out tasting rich and tender.

2-3lb chuck roast (aka English roast)
2 tbsp oil (I prefer canola)
1 28oz. can crushed tomatoes with sauce
8oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 large onion, cut into quarters
3-4 stalks of celery, cut into large pieces
8oz. baby carrots
Kosher salt
fresh black pepper
2 bay leaves
0.5 tsp dried thyme
0.5 tsp rosemary

   Remove the roast from the fridge about an hour or so before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature.  Trim the excess fat from the side of the roast, and season liberally with salt an pepper.  Heat the oil in a large skillet that has a tight fitting lid.  Sear the roast on all sides, getting a nice crust on all sides.  Remove skillet from heat, and deglaze by adding the whole can of crushed tomatoes.  Add the rest of the ingredients,  cover, and place back on the heat, allowing it to come to a simmer.  Baste the roast once in a while, and let cook until the meat is fork tender (at least 4 hours).  Remove the bay leaves, and serve.

A simple and unique bread recipe to start things off

Rice Bread
   This is a great, easy, and uniquely textured bread.  It's also the perfect use for left over rice from Chinese take out.  Make sure the rice is cool and completely drained, and watch the dough to make sure it does not get too sticky.

For one loaf:

generous 1 C of water
1 egg
3 C white bread flour
1 C cooked, long grain white rice
1 t nonfat dry milk
1 t salt
1.5 t granulated sugar
1 T butter
1 t active dry yeast (bread machine yeast)

   Place ingredients into the work bowl of a stand mixer in the order listed.  Using a dough hook, mix slowly to combine, then continue mixing at medium speed for ~5 mins.  Place dough into a lubed up bowl and cover with oiled plastic wrap until the dough doubles in size.  Punch down dough, and shape into a bloomer (or whatever shape you prefer), and place in a pan lined with parchment paper.  Let rise until double in size.  Bake at 400 F for 25 to 30 minutes until GBD and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.