SAVORY RUBBED POT ROAST AND GRAVY

Steps:

• 1. RUB: Mix rub ingredients together. Store in ziploc bag or jar and use as needed. This makes a lot and there will be a good bit leftover. NOTE: this rub was intended to be used on a beef brisket, however, it was excellent on this chuck roast!
• 2. Lightly oil meat with vegetable oil and generously spread rub on meat. Wrap meat in plastic wrap; refridgerate for a few hours or over night. NOTE: I wrapped overnight.
• 3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• 4. BROWING AND COOKING ROAST: Pour oil into pot; heat over medium high heat (on stovetop). Add roast to pot; cook roast for 15 minutes (turning once) until beef is browned. NOTE: Don't bypass this step; browning/searing beef first is essential to creating a rich flavor base.
• 5. Place onion around roast and cook uncovered for another 15 minutes or until onions begin to brown. Turn roast once.
• 6. Add celery, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf to pot. Pour in 4 cups of beef stock (or water) and wine. Cover and place in pre-heated oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until fork tender. Turn roast one time 1/2 way through cooking time. NOTE: may need to add additional water toward end of cooking time.
• 7. Remove roast from pot, cover and keep warm; set aside.
• 8. GRAVY: Sorry there are no measurements for the gravy, it's just one of those dishes you have to work with to get it right. Strain the drippings from the roast into a skillet and heat over medium heat. Add a few heaping spoonfuls (one at a time) of flour to the hot drippings; stirring to make paste. NOTE: you dont want this paste too dry or too wet. Add warm water, a cup at a time; stir. Keep adding additional water (and continue stirring) until your gravy is the consistancy you like. NOTE: If you used the rub recipe I used, no additonal seasoning is necessary. Spoon gravy over slices of roast, mashed potatoes and/or biscuits.