Hamburger Steak Au Poivre Food

HAMBURGERS AU POIVRE

Steps:

• Mix meat and salt.
• Shape mixture into 4 patties, each about 3/4 of an inch thick.
• Press pepper into both sides of the patties.
• Cook the patties in a large skillet ( I use cast iron)over medium-high heat, turning once, until the desired doneness is reached, about 8 minutes.
• Drain off the fat.
• Sprinkle the cognac over the patties, immediately ignite, if desired; THIS STEP IS FROM THE ORIGINAL RECIPE, I LEFT IT BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS COOL, I did NOT ignite my burger and it was delicious ;).
• Remove patties to a warm platter.
• Stir the wine into the drippings in the skillet.
• Heat just to boiling, stirring constantly.
• Whisk butter, small pieces at a time, into the sauce.
• Serve sauce over the patties.

STEAK AU POIVRE

Steps:

• 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 a medium skillet over medium 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. For medium-rare, cook for 4 minutes on each side. 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.