Prime Rib Roast

Ingredients

• 15 dried bay leaves, crumbled
• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh sage leaves, plus several whole leaves for garnish
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1/3 cup finely grated orange zest (from 2 to 3 oranges)
• 1 three-rib prime rib of beef (about 7 pounds), trimmed and frenched

Directions

1. Stir together crumbled bay leaves, sage, the oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and the orange zest in a small bowl. Season with pepper. Rub herb mixture all over the beef, coating evenly. Refrigerate overnight, covered. About 2 hours before you plan to cook the beef, remove it from the refrigerator. Place beef, fat side up, in a roasting pan and allow it to come to room temperature. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 450°F.
2. Cook beef for 30 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer inserted into meat (away from bone) registers 115°F to 120°F (for rare), about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes longer. Let rest 20 minutes.
3. Carve and serve Slice meat away from ribs, cutting along the bones. Then, slice meat crosswise to desired thickness. Serve, garnished with whole sage leaves.