Last night was all about using-up the chicken I roasted Friday night so a big batch of Tyler Florence’s thai soup was made again. It was FABULOUS once more.
We also found time for some mojitos! Just take a cocktail shaker and add; 2 T. sugar, 3 generous shots of white or light rum, a large lime quartered and 1/2 a handfull of fresh mint. Mash with a riddler (I actually use the end of a rolling pin), add ice. Strain into a glass (fill only halfway) and top with sparkling water. This drink almost convinces you that there will someday be summer once again.
Today being both a Monday and Valentine’s Day posed a bit of a quandry for me but I have a lovely dinner planned thanks to the Martha Stewart site-Beef Wellington Tarts.
I’m simplifying my version by baking the puff pastry, then spreading with finely chopped and sauteed thyme, mushrooms (did this part yesterday) and then topping the whole thing with a grilled, sliced steak (marinated in wine, garlic and rosemary since yesterday). Below is the more complicated version of the dish-likely better but come-on, it’s Monday and I have a one year old!
Serves 2
8 ounces beef tenderloin
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
4 teaspoons olive oil
All-purpose flour, for dusting
1 sheet (11-inch square) thawed frozen puff pastry, preferably DuFour
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 ounces foie gras mousse (about 1/4 cup)
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, and cook until completely browned, about 1 minute per side. Transfer skillet to oven, and cook to desired doneness (130 degrees for medium-rare, 8 to 9 minutes). Transfer beef to a plate, and let rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
2.Meanwhile, on a lightly floured surface, cut two 5 1/2-inch squares from puff pastry; reserve remaining dough for another use. Using a paring knife, score a 1/2-inch border around each square. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
3.Bake for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees, and continue to bake until puffed and golden brown, about 10 minutes more.
4.Meanwhile, melt butter with remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a clean skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, thyme, and garlic, and cook until mushrooms are tender and garlic has softened, about 8 minutes. Add wine, and cook until reduced by half, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer mixture to a small bowl.
5.Add foie gras mousse to skillet, and reduce heat to low. Stir until just melted. Remove from heat.
6.Using the back of a spoon, flatten inside portion of each pastry square. Thinly slice beef, and arrange slices on top of pastry. Top with mushroom mixture, and drizzle with sauce. Serve immediately.
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