The first step in cooling a large roast before refrigerating is to?

The first step in cooling a large roast before refrigerating is to let it rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.

Here's why:

* Safety: Immediately putting a hot roast into the refrigerator can raise the overall temperature inside, potentially spoiling other food.

* Tenderness: Allowing the roast to rest helps it retain moisture and become more tender.

After the initial rest, you can then slice the roast (if desired) and place it in the refrigerator.