Peppered Filets With Cherry Port Sauce For 2 Recipes

FILETS MIGNONS WITH MUSTARD PORT SAUCE WITH RED ONION CONFIT

Steps:

• To prepare the filets:
• In a heavy skillet heat the oil over moderately high heat until it is hot but not smoking and in it brown the filets mignons, patted dry and seasoned with salt and pepper, for 2 minutes on each side. Sauté the fillets mignons, turning them on both sides and the edges, for 4 to 6 minutes more for medium-rare meat, transfer them to a cutting board, and let them stand, covered loosely with foil, while making the sauce.
• In the fat remaining in the skillet cook the shallot over moderately low heat, stirring, until it is softened, add the Port and the red wine, and boil the mixture until it is reduced by two thirds. Add the broth, boil the mixture until it is reduced by half, and strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a small saucepan. Whisk in the mustard, bring the mixture to a boil, and add the beurre manié, a little at a time, whisking until the sauce is smooth. Simmer the sauce, whisking occasionally, for 2 minutes, whisk in any juices that have accumulated on the cutting board, and season the sauce with salt and pepper.
• Cut the filets mignons into 1/4-inch-thick slices, divide the slices among 4 plates, and spoon the sauce over them. Garnish the fillets mignons with the parsley and serve them with the red onion confit.
• To prepare confit:
• In a heavy skillet cook the garlic and the shallot with the thyme and salt and pepper to taste in the oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until the shallot is softened. Add the red onion and cook the mixture, stirring for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the onion is very soft. Add the Port, the red wine, the sugar, and the vinegar and simmer the mixture, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes, or until almost all the liquid is evaporated. Stir in the parsley and salt and pepper to taste and cook the mixture, stirring, for 1 minute. The confit may be made 1 day in advance, kept covered and chilled, and reheated. Makes about 1 cup.

BEEF TENDERLOIN WITH PORT SAUCE

Steps:

• Place the beef and broth in a 6-quart Dutch oven, making sure the beef is totally covered by the stock, and cover with foil, leaving a small opening for steam to escape. Poke a small hole in the foil and insert an instant-read thermometer into the meat. Cook over low heat until the beef reaches 125 degrees F, 55 to 60 minutes. Transfer the beef to a cutting board and let stand 10 minutes.
• In a medium saucepan, bring the port to a boil and then reduce until about 1/3 cup. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter. Season with salt and pepper.
• To serve, slice the beef, top with sauce and garnish with parsley.
• What Makes This Recipe Really Sing: Because the beef is brought to temperature up so slowly, it is very tender. It would make a killer steak sandwich.

FILET MIGNON WITH CHERRY-BALSAMIC REDUCTION

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a small heavy metal or ceramic saucepan. Add shallots and cook until they are soft and wilted, not browned (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Add the wine, preserves, vinegar and cherries. Increase the heat to bring the sauce to a light boil, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce reduce to half the original amount (about 10-12 minutes). It should get thick and syrupy.
• When the sauce is almost done, preheat broiler. Pat steaks dry and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the steaks. Broil to the desired level of doneness.
• For rare steaks: cook 2 1/2 minutes per side; for medium rare, cook 3 minutes per side; for medium, cook 3 1/2 minutes per side; for medium well, 4 minutes per side.
• To serve, serve steaks on a serving platter and sauce on the side. Or you can spoon sauce over each steak served on individual plates.

FILETS MIGNONS WITH PORT WINE GLAZE

Steps:

• Pat filets dry and season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl whisk together Port, vinegar, and mustard until combined well.
• In a non-stick skillet heat oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and cook filets 4 minutes. Turn filets and cook 4 minutes more for medium-rare. Transfer filets to a warm platter. Pour Port mixture carefully down side of skillet and boil, stirring, until reduced to about 2 tablespoons. Serve filets with glaze.

PORT WINE BALSAMIC FILET MIGNON

Steps:

• Bring the port and white wine to a boil in a medium saucepan, lower the heat and simmer until the liquid has reduced to 2/3 cup.
• Sprinkle the steaks with salt and pepper and lightly dust with flour on both sides. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter. When the oil is hot, add the steaks to the skillet and top them with a few sprigs of thyme (just to get the essence). Cook for 4 minutes per side, or until they are cooked to your liking (see Cook's Note).
• Remove the steaks from the pan and set them aside on a plate to rest. Remove the thyme and discard. Add the wine reduction to the same skillet (do not clean the skillet) and bring to a simmer over medium heat, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits.
• Add the balsamic vinegar and simmer until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon, 2 to 5 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons unsalted butter until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the sauce over the steak and garnish with microgreens.
• For the grilled asparagus: Toss the asparagus with 3 tablespoons olive oil, the juice from 1/2 a lemon and some salt and pepper. Heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium heat. When the pan is hot, grill the asparagus, turning occasionally, until it is tender and lightly charred, about 4 minutes. Season with more salt and a squeeze of lemon. Serve with the steak.

PEPPER-CRUSTED FILET MIGNON

Steps:

• Season filets very generously on both sides with salt and pepper (especially pepper), patting in firmly.
• Heat oil in a small skillet over medium-high. Cook filets until desired doneness, 3 to 5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) for medium-rare.
• Remove strings from filets, and serve with Red Wine Sauce, if desired.