Fillet of Beef au Poivre

By Foodiewife

I cannot believe how easy this is to make, at a fraction of the cost in fine restaurants.

This recipe is adapted from both Emeril Lagasse and Alton Brown. I prefer to sear my meat and then roast it in the oven (Emeril's style). The ingredients and sauce are from Alton Brown.

For more photos and how to make this meal, please visit my foodblog at:
www.foodiewife-kitchen.blogspot.com
This is a fancy schmancy looking meal that doesn't take a lot of time to make.

I love this!

Ingredients

• 4 tenderloin steaks, 6 to 8 ounces each and no more than 1 1/2 inches thick
• Kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons whole peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/3 cup Cognac, plus 1 teaspoon
• 1 cup heavy cream

Preparation

Step 1

Remove the steaks from the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour prior to cooking. Sprinkle all sides with salt.

Coarsely crush the peppercorns with a mortar and pestle, the bottom of a cast iron skillet, or using a mallet and pie pan. Spread the peppercorns evenly onto a plate.

Press the fillets, on both sides, into the pepper until it coats the surface. Set aside.

In an oven-proof heavy bottom skillet (or cast iron, as I prefer) over medium high heat, melt the butter and olive oil. As soon as the butter and oil begin to turn golden and smoke, gently place the steaks in the pan.

Add the steaks and sear on both sides until well browned, 2 minutes on each side.

Transfer the steaks to the oven. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes for medium-rare.

Add the steaks and sear on both sides until well browned, 2 minutes on each side. Transfer the steaks to an oven-proof baking dish and place in the oven. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes for medium-rare.

Once done, remove the steaks to a plate, tent with foil and set aside. Pour off the excess fat but do not wipe or scrape the pan clean.

Off of the heat, add 1/3 cup Cognac to the pan and carefully ignite the alcohol with a long match or firestick.

Gently shake pan until the flames die.

Return the pan to medium heat and add the cream.

Bring the mixture to a boil and whisk until the sauce coats the back of a spoon, approximately 5 to 6 minutes.

Add the teaspoon of Cognac and season, to taste, with salt.

Add the steaks back to the pan, spoon the sauce over, and serve.