Steak au Poivre

As previously stated, my first real attempt at "real" cooking came from a recipe out of my Better Homes and Garden cookbook.


Prior to this Larry and I often ate a lot of frozen and boxed dinners.  I told him over and over again that I could cook actual food, but never really proved this claim :)  So one Sunday evening I presented to him Steak au Poivre!  And let me tell you ladies and gentlemen this was flipping awesome...and the sauce was to die for. I've actually made this a couple of other times since.  Serve with green beans or asparagus along with mashed potatoes and you've got yourself a restaurant worthy meal!


Steak au Poivre:
1  tablespoon cracked black pepper
4  beef tenderloin steaks or 2 beef top loin steaks, cut 1 inch thick (1 pound)
2  tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4  cup brandy or beef broth
1/4  cup beef broth
1/2  cup whipping cream
2  teaspoons Dijon-style mustard

directions

1. Use your fingers to press the pepper onto both sides of the steaks. If using top loin steaks, cut each steak in half crosswise. In a large skillet cook steaks in hot butter over medium heat to desired doneness, turning once. For tenderloin steaks, allow 10 to 13 minutes for medium rare (145 degrees F) to medium (160 degrees F). For top loin steaks, allow 12 to 15 minutes for medium rare to medium. Transfer steaks to a serving platter, reserving the drippings in the skillet. Keep warm. Remove skillet from burner and allow to stand 1 minute.

2. For sauce, combine brandy and beef broth (or all beef broth); carefully stir into drippings in skillet, scraping up crusty browned bits. Stir in whipping cream and mustard. Bring to boiling. Boil gently, uncovered, over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes or until mixture is reduced to 1/2 cup, stirring occasionally. Spoon sauce over steaks to serve.

3. Makes 4 servings

And the final product!