Standing Rib Roast

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven (move the other racks up to make room for the roast). Pat the rib roast dry with paper towels. Using a sharp thin knife, poke slits in the top and sides of the roast and between the ribs; stuff the slits with the garlic slices, poking them into the meat so that they’re covered. (Do this 3 or 4 slits at a time so you don’t lose track of where you made the cuts.)

Pulse the peppercorns in a mini food processor or spice grinder to break them up. Add 2 tablespoons salt, the rosemary and thyme and pulse until finely chopped. Pour into a small bowl and stir in the olive oil. Rub all over the top, sides and bottom of the roast (not the bones). Set on a rack in a roasting pan, bone-side down, and let stand at room temperature, 30 to 60 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450˚ F.

If using a probe thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the roast, about halfway in. Place on the lower oven rack and roast until the meat starts browning and the fat sizzles, about 20 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325˚ F and continue roasting until the internal temperature registers 130˚ F, 1 1/2 to 2 hours more, carefully basting with the drippings every 30 minutes.

Transfer the rack with the roast to a rimmed baking sheet or large cutting board and let rest 30 to 40 minutes. Carve off the bones in one piece (see right), then slice the meat with a sharp carving knife.