Lotte Au Poivre Food

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.

LOTTE AU POIVRE

Steps:

• Coat the fish on both sides with the pepper. Sprinkle with salt to taste.
• Heat the oil in a black cast-iron skillet over a medium flame. Add the fish immediately and cook for about 2 minutes until lightly browned. Turn the filets, cover tightly, lower the heat and cook for 3 minutes. Transfer the fish to a warm plate and keep warm.
• Add the shallots to the skillet; stir and cook over a medium heat until wilted. Add wine and bring to a boil, stirring. Reduce by half, add butter and blend well. Spoon the sauce over each fillet. Garnish with a sprig of chervil or dill.

LE TARTE AUX POIRES

Steps:

• Roll out pastry to fit greased and floured 8-inch flan ring. Store in refrigerator to keep cool. Cream together butter and sugar until light. Gradually beat in eggs, then flour. Fold in almonds and Kirsch, until well incorporated.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove pears from soaking liquid, and set aside. Brush base of pastry with 1 tablespoon apricot jam. Pour frangipane evenly into flan ring. Arrange pears in a circle on top of the filling. Bake for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, slowly heat together remaining jam, lemon juice, and water. Bring to a boil and reduce until thickened. Brush on hot tart. Serve once cooled.
• Place flour in medium bowl. Cut in butter and mix in sugar, until mixture resembles fine bread crumbs. Mix in egg, until pastry is just combined but still crumbly. Chill until ready to use.