"Best of Beef" Winner
Fiesta Roast Beef with Tropical Fruit Relish
Gloria Bradley, Illinois
Total Preparation and Cooking Time: 30 Minutes * Makes 6 to 8 servings

1. Remove beef tri-tip roast from package; place in a microwave-safe dish. Transfer 3 to 4 tablespoons liquid from package to small saucepan; set aside. Discard any remaining liquid or reserve for other use. Cover roast and microwave on high 7 to 10 minutes or until heated through. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile drain fruit salad, reserving 3 tablespoons of the syrup. Cut up any large pieces of fruit; set aside. Grate 1 teaspoon peel from orange; set aside. Cut orange in half. Squeeze juice from ½ orange; peel and chop orange sections from remaining ½.

3. Combine reserved syrup, orange juice, mustard, orange peel, pepper sauce, salt and pepper, as desired in medium bowl; whisk until blended. Measure ¼ cup of the orange juice mixture; add to beef liquid in saucepan. Set aside. Add reserved fruit, chopped orange and bell pepper to remaining orange juice mixture in bowl; mix well. Cover and refrigerate.

4. Carve roast across the grain into thin slices. Bring mixture in saucepan to a boil; remove from heat.

5. Arrange beef and fruit relish side-by-side on platter. Spoon hot sauce over beef, as desired. Garnish with orange slices, if desired.

Cook's Tip: Beef tri-tip is a boneless roast from the bottom sirloin. Tri-tip roasts usually weigh about 1-½ to 2 pounds and have a distinctive tri-angular shape.