Top melt-in-your mouth filet with an uptown brandy sauce. Serve with Farro with Asparagus.

Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds petite filet of beef or venison loin
• Canola or olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup beef stock
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons Pommery mustard
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons chives, finely chopped

Preparation

Bring the meat to room temperature; rub with oil and season liberally with salt.

Heat a heavy skillet to medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then melt the butter into it. Add the meat and caramelize the surface for a minute or two, then lower the heat to medium and cook for 8-10 minutes, developing a good even deep reddish brown crust. Remove to a plate and tent with foil for 10 minutes.

Add the shallots and garlic to the skillet and stir for 2 minutes; add the pepper and stir. Add the brandy to deglaze, then stir in the tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, then whisk in the stock. Bring the stock to a bubble, then whisk in the Worcestershire and mustard; remove from the heat. While the sauce is still hot, whisk in the cream and taste, for seasoning.

Slice the meat into 1/2-inch-thick medallions and serve on or alongside Farro with Asparagus. Top with the sauce and garnish with lots of chives.