The holidays are here and nothing says holiday entertaining like a fabulous beef roast!  In tough economic times some might be rethinking holiday meals, but the good news is that you can still prepare a beautiful beef roast for your guests while staying within your budget! 

If you're looking for a more economical roast, the beef round tip (sometimes called sirloin tip) is a delicious choice.  Choosing cuts like the beef rib roast or the chuck or shoulder roast help to keep the cost low, but not sacrifice on taste.  This Fennel-Crusted Beef Roast with White Beans, Tomatoes and Arugula recipe takes on an Italian flavor profile and offers an updated spin on the classic roast.  Fennel seeds add an unexpected taste and crunch to the beef and provide the just-right complement to the tomato and arugula sauté and garlicky bean side dishes.

Timid about cooking a beef roast? Don't be. They're easy - whether you're a kitchen novice or culinary expert. Just season the meat in a shallow roasting pan and place in the oven. For the juiciest and most tender roast, use a thermometer to determine doneness.  Be sure to remove the roast from the oven when the internal temperature is 5 to 10 degrees below the desired doneness. Then, tent it with foil for about 15 to 20 minutes - the temperature will rise about 5 to 10 degrees to reach the desired doneness - and the roast will be easier to carve and serve.  Carving is an important step to creating a great beef experience.  Use a sharp knife and for uniform slices, hold the knife at the same angle for each.  Keep in mind that for less tender roasts, like the round tip and eye round, cut thinner slices - no more than ¼-inch thick.

Whether it's an intimate family dinner or a large gathering, with a beef roast at the center of the table, everyone will be ready to celebrate!