Filet Mignon Au Poivre

Photo: Debby aka "Foodiewife"

Ingredients

4 8-oz filet mignon steaks

2 tablespoons Cracked black peppercorns

1 tablespoon Vegetable oil

2 tablespoons Cognac

1 cup Dry red wine

1 cup Beef broth

Salt to taste

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/3 cup Heavy cream

1 tablespoon Unsalted butter

Preparation

Sprinkle steaks on both sides w/half the black pepper and press in well w/heel of your hand. Heat oil in large heavy skillet over medium heat. When oil is hot but not smoking, add steaks and cook to desired doneness: 3 minutes on each side for rare, 4-5 minutes for medium, and 5-8 for well done. Transfer steaks to warm platter and keep warm.

Add Cognac, wine, and broth to skillet and bring to boil over medium heat.

Cook until liquid is reduced to about 1/2 c, 8-10 minutes. Add all remaining ingredients except butter and cook over medium heat until sauce thickens a bit, 3-4 minutes. Swirl in butter until it blends smoothly.

To serve, place filet mignons on warmed dinner plates, and spoon some sauce over the top. (note: the only sensible side dish here is pommes frites, n'est-ce pas?)

Makes 4 servings.