Prime Rib with Fresh Herb Sauce

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450°. Place roast in a shallow roasting pan, fat side up; rub with salt and pepper. Add 1 cup water, onions, garlic and herbs to roasting pan. Roast 15 minutes.
2. Reduce oven setting to 325°. Roast 3 to 3-1/2 hours longer or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 135°; medium, 140°; medium-well, 145°), adding 1 cup water every hour.
3. For sauce, in a large saucepan, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add shallots; cook and stir 5-6 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and herbs; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in flour, pepper and salt until blended. Gradually stir in 1-1/2 cups stock. Remove from heat.
4. Remove roast to a serving platter; tent with foil. Let stand 15 minutes before carving. Meanwhile, strain any pan juices through a sieve into a measuring cup; discard onions and herbs. Skim fat from pan juices. If necessary, add additional stock to pan juices to measure 1 cup. Add to shallot mixture.
5. Place roasting pan over 2 burners; add wine. Bring to a boil; cook 2-3 minutes, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Add to sauce. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally; cook until mixture is reduced to about 1-1/2 cups, 10-15 minutes.
6. Stir in vinegar; strain, discarding shallots and herbs. Serve with roast and, if desired, garnish with thyme.