Steak au Poivre

I found this recipe the other day. I've tried over and over again to find who made it but have not yet succeeded. This is such a tasty meal. I just made this for the first time last night and it's a keeper for sure. The recipe has been remade w/ exactly how I made this and I am so happy to share it!!! We served this with Asparagus spears sauteed in butter with lots of minced garlic for a simple yet rich tasting evening meal the first time.  This time we served it over white steamed rice.


Steak au Poivre is a traditional and romantic French main course of pepper crusted steak served with a brandy cream sauce. Taking only 30 minutes to prepare, the warm sweet flavors of the cream, mustard, and brandy sauce balance the peppery bite of the tender beef.


Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
• 1/2 - 1 tbsp green chili powder
• 4 beef tenderloin steaks or 2 beef top loin steaks, cut 1 inch thick (1 pound)
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1- 2 tbsp brandy
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard

Directions

• Pat your steaks dry with a paper towel. Use your fingers to press the pepper and green chili seasoning onto both sides of the steaks. If using top loin steaks, cut each steak in half crosswise.

• In a large skillet cook steaks in hot butter over medium heat to desired doneness, turning once. For tenderloin steaks, allow 10 to 13 minutes for medium rare (145 degrees F) to medium (160 degrees F). For top loin steaks, allow 12 to 15 minutes for medium rare to medium. Transfer steaks to a serving platter, reserving the drippings in the skillet. Keep warm. Remove skillet from burner and allow to stand 1 minute.

• For sauce, combine brandy and beef broth (or all beef broth if you prefer no brandy); carefully stir into drippings in skillet, scraping up crusty browned bits. Stir in whipping cream and mustard. Bring to boiling. Boil gently, uncovered, over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes or until mixture is thickened (we use Wondra Quick Mixing Flour until we get the desired thickness), stirring occasionally. Spoon sauce over steaks to serve.

• Makes 4 servings