prime ribThe countdown to Christmas is on, and just one week from today the bows will have been flung aside, the presents unveiled, and all will be merry and bright. But after the excitement of the morning, there's typically one last  crowning glory on the glorious day: Christmas dinner.

There's not quite the mandated main course like there is with a turkey at Thanksgiving, rather Christmas offers plenty of flexibility. From ham to turkey again, pretty much anything goes. The thing goes over best in my house, however, is prime rib. Elegant, hearty, and delicious, it's one of my favorite meals of the year.

If you've never fixed it before, it can sound a bit intimidating, but it's really quite easy. Plus, it's quite versatile and there are number of ways to serve it you're in the mood for trying a new recipe. Here are five prime rib recipes so you can pick the perfect one for your feast.

1. Grilled Prime Rib

This is my favorite way to cook roast beef -- on the grill. The meat is flavorful and tender, and it frees up the oven for more side dishes. Of course, depending on the temperatures where you live, you have to be willing to brave the elements.

  • 1 5-pound standing prime rib roast
  • 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves, lightly packed
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper, ground
Take out rib roast, trim fat, and allow to stand at room temperature 45 minutes before grilling.

Preheat grill. Combine garlic, basil, salt, rosemary, and pepper in a food processor and finely mince. Add olive oil and mustard to mixture. Thoroughly coat prime rib roast with mixture and transfer to grill.

Cook over indirect medium heat for 2 hours. Once roast is cooked, remove from grill and let stand for 20 minutes before carving.

2. Horseradish and Garlic Prime Rib

The beef always goes well with a horseradish sauce, but this recipe from Tyler Florence has horseradish baked right into the crust. It's incredibly flavorful, and the sauteed mushrooms are a perfect addition.

3. Lemon-and-Pepper-Crusted Prime Rib with Root Vegetables

The lemon gives this oven-baked version a nice zing. The baked shallots and potatoes make perfectly delicious side dishes.

4. Prime Rib Roast With Merlot Gravy and Yorkshire Pudding

It wasn't until I met my husband that I was introduced to Yorkshire pudding. It's a tradition in his home, and I've since grown to love it.

5. Mustard-Coated Prime Rib

This is a simple and straight forward method. You just rub the meat with the mustard mixture, then bake. A couple of hours later, your amazing main course is ready to eat.

What are you planning to serve for Christmas dinner?


Image via arnold inuyaki/Flickr