Medicine Lodge Filet Mignon Fricassée Food

THE PERFECT FILET MIGNON

Steps:

• Pat the steaks dry, then sprinkle with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Firmly press the seasoning into the meat.
• Heat the oil in a medium stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes. Add the steaks and cook until a golden crust forms, about 2 minutes. Flip with tongs and cook until golden on the second side, about 2 minutes (see Cook's Note). Flip again and cook for 2 minutes. Flip once more and add 4 tablespoons of the butter and the thyme and garlic. Let cook, undisturbed, until the butter stops foaming, 1 to 2 minutes. Tilt the pan slightly so the butter pools and spoon it over the steaks. Continue to cook the steaks, basting constantly, until they are medium rare and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 118 degrees F, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Transfer the steaks to a plate to rest. Discard the garlic, thyme and fat from the skillet, but do not wipe out the browned bits.
• Place the same skillet over medium heat and add the shallots and 1 tablespoon butter. Cook, scraping up the browned bits with a wooden spoon, until softened, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the brandy. Return the skillet to the heat and continue to cook over medium until the skillet is dry, being careful as it may ignite, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook until the liquid reduces by half, about 3 minutes. Add the beef stock and bring to a boil. Whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• To serve, slice the steak, spoon the sauce over the top and sprinkle with the chives.

PAN ROASTED FILET MIGNON WITH GREEN PEPPERCORNS

Steps:

• Sprinkle the steaks generously with salt on both sides. Press the top and bottoms of the steaks into the peppercorns to crust on each side.
• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large heavy saute pan or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the steaks and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Cook until the internal temperature is around 125 degrees F for medium-rare. Remove the steaks from the pan and allow them to rest.
• In the same pan the steaks were cooked in, add the shallots along with the remaining tablespoon oil and the green peppercorns and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the shallots are softened and lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Turn off the heat, then add the brandy and return the heat to medium. Cook for 1 minute. Add the beef stock and cream, then reduce the liquid by half until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt as needed.
• Turn off the heat. Swirl in the butter and melt, stirring often. Return the steaks to the pan and coat with the sauce. Sprinkle with the parsley and a splash of red wine vinegar to balance the richness of the sauce. Place the steaks on a plate, then spoon the sauce over and serve.

MEDICINE LODGE FILET MIGNON "FRICASSéE"

Steps:

• Coat a heavy-bottomed sauté pan or saucepan with cooking spray and place over high heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until semisoft, about 40 seconds. Season with salt. Stir in tomatoes and sauté another 30 seconds or so. Add chives and stir. Pour in just enough Cabernet Sauvignon to cover bottom of pan (deglazing the pan with wine keeps food from sticking and helps blend flavors). Reduce until liquid becomes syrupy. Stir in demi-glace. Bring mixture to a simmer and reduce until it coats back of spoon.
• Heat oven to 400°F. Thoroughly coat a heavy-bottomed pan with cooking spray and place on burner over high heat. Season fillets with salt and pepper. Sauté both sides until brown and slightly crusty, about 1 minute per side. Place meat in a shallow pan in oven for 5 minutes, which will cook the meat to medium, or adjust cooking time to desired degree of doneness. Transfer each fillet to a plate and ladle fricassee on top. Serve immediately.