Ingredients

　　3 cups coarse salt

　　3/4 cup water

　　a 6-to-8 pound standing rib roast, trimmed

　　In a bowl stir together the salt and 3/4 cup water until the mixture forms a slightly stiff paste resembling wet snow. Arrange the rib roast, fat side up, in a roasting pan and coat it completely with the salt mixture, patting the mixture on about 1/4 inch thick. Roast the beef in the middle of a preheated oven 325°F. oven for 2 hours (about 22 minutes per pound), or until it registers 130°F. on a meat thermometer for medium-rare meat. Transfer the beef to a cutting board and let it stand for 15 minutes. Remove the crust with a hammer and carve the meat.