Saturday Recipe, Happy Thanksgiving.

On the other hand, continuing from yesterday, I received an email from our LCBO (Liquor Board) recommending a Shiraz wine by Red Knot which I decided to try along with their recipe for Fillet Steak. Oh, I have re-read it and realise it calls for a whole piece of fillet. No doubt I can adapt it for us.

I wish all my Canadian friends a very happy Thanksgiving this weekend. One thing locally we can be thankful for is the wonderful weather we have been experiencing. Long may it last. We have had the odd rain shower but generally it has been sunny and fairly warm for the time of year. Well, Matt and I are still wearing shorts. Even thought it is a holiday, I am delighted we will still be bowling.

Beef Tenderloin with Bourbon Pecan Beurre Brun

The French are known for having one of the more complex and time-consuming cuisines, however they have given us one of the simplest and quickest sauces possible with their classic Beurre Brun,

which is literally browned butter. A splash of bourbon and some crunchy pecans make this Beurre Brun even more intriguing while still letting the tenderloin be the focal point of the dish. Serve with boiled fingerling potatoes and some wilted spinach.

1 ½ lbs (750 g) beef tenderloin (whole piece, not in filets)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 Tbs (25 mL) olive oil
¾ cup (175 mL) bourbon
1 Tbs (15 mL) fresh sage, finely chopped
¼ cup (50 mL) unsalted butter
½ cup (125 mL) pecan pieces, toasted

1. Season tenderloin generously with salt and pepper. In a thick-bottom sauté pan (that just fits the meat) heat olive oil over medium-high. Carefully place beef in oil and brown well on all sides, about 9 minutes. Be sure not to burn the bottom of the pan as this pan will be used to make the sauce.

2. Place the browned beef in a baking dish (setsauté pan aside) and continue cooking beef in a 400°F (200°C) oven to desired doneness.Use a meat thermometer for proper internal temperature, medium is 140°F (60°C).

3. Pour excess grease out of sauté pan; off the heat add bourbon and sage to the pan. Over medium-high reduce the bourbon by half, about 2 minutes.

4. Add butter, pecans and a pinch of salt, and cook over medium-low heat until the butter melts; continue to cook until the milk solids in the butter begin to toast and turn golden brown. Take off the heat immediately so as not to burn the butter. Carefully warm through just before serving.

5. Remove cooked beef from oven, let rest for 8 minutes covered with foil. Slice into 4 pieces and serve with butter drizzled overtop.

Servings: 4

Source: LCBO
Author: Tonia Wilson-Vuksanovic

Have a great holiday weekend.