An Old Friend for an Old Friend, Steak au Poivre

[Old Bay]

My best friend from high school is in town visiting his sister. He recently battled leukemia into remission and we are celebrating with Friday nite dinner at our house. We will begin by sipping 12 year old Highland Park. Dinner will consist of steak au poivre, pomme anna, iceberg wedge with creamy blue cheese and crumbles, fresh home grown celebrity & cherokee purple tomatoes and served with a '99 Stags Leap Cab. Creme brulee for dessert.

The Steak au Poivre is from Vol. 39, June, 03.
For the steaks, coarsely crush 2 T black peppercorns, 1 T white peppercorns, 2 t yellow mustard seeds and coat 2 1lb strip steaks. Pre heat oven to 425. The steaks should be coated on one side and salted to taste on the other. Sear steaks on med high heat in 2 T oil for 4-5 min peppercorn side up--turn the meat over and place pan in the oven and roast about 7 min for med rare. Transfer to a platter and let steaks rest while making the sauce.

For the sauce, use the pan the steaks were in--add 1/4 cup shallots and 1 T unsalted butter over med heat--saute' until soft. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup brandy off heat- return to burner, and stir in 1 T Dijon mustard and simmer until thickened- 3-4 minutes. Finish with 1 T fresh lemon juice, 1 t fresh thyme. salt and cayenne to taste. Serve immediately over the steaks.

[Roxanne 21]

PLEASE---save an extra place for me---I PROMISE I won't eat too much!!!! That sounds as though that will be a GREAT dinner party!!!! Have fun!!! Always wonderful to connect with old friends----such a special time--ENJOY!!

[cjs]

Very, very nice menu!! God, I miss having my Cherokee Purples...

[vannin]

I do think old recipes still have much merit. We turn our backs to them to our detriment. It is a great pity. And a loss, for everyone. I still use the recipes, (well not really recipes, just a way of doing things) for my children if they are unwell, or just need a dose of Mummy. And the youngest is 25. We are never to old for care. A bath, a scrub, a million towels, the bed warm and soft, and the sleep,knowing their grumpy, crusty old Dad is at hand and they are as safe as a new born infant.

We don't do enough of this for each other. What do others think. Fundamental nurture. TLC Call it what you will. The subject remains interesting to me. Please give kindest regards to your friend, he clearly has great virtue in choosing his friends.

[bjcotton]

I'm going to have to try that Bill, thanks a bunch. My best to your friend.

[cjs]

Oh, I don't know Dale, I think we all do hold on to the past with our food habits which equate to family love...remember Share A Recipe Cookbook??????

[Lorraine]

Great sounding menu, Bill!! And what a great reason to celebrate.

[Old Bay]

The meal was great--we added sauteed mushrooms and picked the last Swiss Chard and made a gratin, Seemed more like a steak house. The wine was lovely.

[Roxanne 21]

That is wonderful-----great to have a memorable time with an old friend and recount history!!! Bless you all---may you have many such moments!!