Heat the oven to 450 degrees. It is preferrable to leave it there for an hour or so to make sure the ENTIRE oven is at temperature. Wash the standing rib with water, pat dry with paper towels and rub salt and pepper over the surface. Bake for 30 minutes at 450 to seal in the juices. Then drop the oven temperature to 300 degrees for 16 minutes per pound. Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes while gravy is being made. Carve and serve.
Proper attention to roast beef is essential in the Rea family. Discussions about the proper way to prepare this important roast has turned into ugly arguments that, in at least one case, have taken weeks to cool down. There is NO choice other than VERY rare. This the standard Christmas dinner in our family!