Steak au Poivre

• 4 x 150g filet mignon or ribeye steaks
• 1/3 cup clarified butter or oil
• 1/4 cups beef stock
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons crushed black peppercorns
• 3 tablespoons white wine
• 1/4 cup brandy
• Small sprigs of fresh parsley, to garnish

Season the steaks with salt.

In a shallow skillet big enough to fit the four steaks, heat the clarified butter or oil until hazing.

Add the steaks and brown for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium rare, and a little longer for medium.

Remove from the pan, cover with aluminum foil to keep warm and set aside.

For well-done steak, brown on each side for 3 minutes, then transfer to a baking dish and take in a 200°C oven for 8-10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and cover with aluminum foil.

Add the stock to a medium saucepan and reduce down to about 1/2 cups.

Add the shallots to the skillet and lightly color for 3-4 minutes before adding the peppercorns.

Add the wine and half the brandy, stir with a wooden spoon to scrape the sticky meat juices from the base of the pan, mix them in and bubble for 1 minute until syrupy.

Stir in the reduced stock and bring to a boil. Cook the sauce for 7 minutes, or until syrupy, then add the remaining brandy.

Return the steaks to the sauce in the pan and reheat for 3-4 minutes, without allowing the sauce to boil.

Serve on individual warm plates or on one large plate.

Garnish with parsley and serve with some French fries or roasted potatoes.