Oven-Roasted Fillet of Beef

"Real Simple Magazine December 2004/January 2005. When it comes to entertaining, beef tenderloin is always a perfect answer to most menu questions. What to serve at the party? Beef cocktail sandwiches. What to serve at a brunch? Sliced beef with a savory sweet potato galette. What to serve for a holiday dinner? Classic fillet with bernaise sauce. No matter who's at the table - boss, relative, friend - a roasted fillet of beef can be dressed up or down to suite the occasion. The little black dress of meats, it's always classic and practically foolproof. Beef tenderloin is best served rare - 130 degrees F on a meat thermometer. When buying a fillet, request it trimmed and tied. If you have to tie it yourself, tuck a few inches of the thinnest end of the fillet under, then wrap it with butcher's twine at 2-inch intervals."
 
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Ready In:
50mins
Ingredients:
6
Serves:
6
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ingredients

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directions

  • Remove the fillet from the refrigerator 30 minutes before roasting to bring it to room temperature. Preheat oven to 500 degrees and position a rack in the center.
  • Spread the mustard evenly on all sides of the fillet. Sprinkle with the salt, pepper, and thyme. Heat the oil in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet over high heat; the oil should shimmer but not smoke. Brown the fillet on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
  • Place the fillet in oven and reduce temperature to 425 degrees. Roast about 25 minutes for rare or until a meat thermometer reads 130 degrees when inserted into the cdenter. (Check the temperature once after about 20 minutes to gauge how far along the fillet is.).
  • Remove the fillet from the oven and allow it to rest 10 minutes before slicing.
  • Will make enough for 36 hors d'oeuvres, 8 to 10 buffet servings, or 6 for a sit-down dinner.

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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

I didn't start cooking until my early 20's, even though I come from a family of accomplished and admired home cooks. While I grew up watching my Italian grandmother in the kitchen, I remained uninterested in trying anything on my own. As a young lady, I was known for being particularly ignorant in the kitchen, with no idea how to even make a hot dog! All this changed, however, when I got engaged. I realized it was time to let my inherent talents out of the bag. At the time, the New York Times had a weekly column called The 60-Minute Gourmet by Pierre Franey. Each week, I would follow these recipes diligently, and taught myself to cook that way. From there, I began to read cookbooks and consult with relatives on family recipes. At my ripe old age now, I feel I know enough to put together a very pleasing meal and have become accomplished in my own right. Having an Irish father and an Italian mother, I'm glad I inherited the cooking gene (and the drinking one too!). One thing I have learned is that simpler is always better! I always believe cooking fills a need to nurture and show love. After being widowed fairly young and living alone with my dog and cats, I stopped cooking for awhile, since I really had no one to cook for. I made care packages for my grown son occasionally, and like to cook weekly for my boyfriend, so I feel like I am truly back in the saddle!!
 
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