This luxurious chateaubriand recipe makes the perfect main course for a special dinner party. The robust flavor of the portobello mushrooms and slight sweetness of the Madeira wine compliment the succulent beef perfectly!

Ask you butcher to take a cut from the thickest part of the center-cut beef tenderloin and to trim it of any sinew or fat. When you get it home, wrap tightly in cling wrap and twist the ends. Then roll it to even up the shape before refrigerating for 24 hours.

What is Chateaubriand?

Chateaubriand is a small roast extravagantly cut from the center of the beef tenderloin. In the 200 years since it was first prepared by the Vicomte de Chateaubriand's chef, Montmireil, we seem to have lost its exact dimensions. Some people will tell you that it can be as little as 1 & 1/2 inches thick, which is essentially a tenderloin steak and not a chateaubriand at all! There is even disagreement in really old cookbooks in which the meat ranges from three to five inches thick, and weighs 12 to 16 ounces. For this chateaubriand recipe, we shall use a generous 1 to 1 1/2lb fillet. Chateaubriand with Portobello Mushrooms and Madeira Wine Jus Courtesy of http://www.gourmet-food-revolution.com/

INGREDIENTS Serves 2

1lb to 1 1/2lb (500g to 750g) center-cut beef fillet 2 large portobello mushrooms, washed & unpeeled 2 cloves garlic (optional) 4 tablespoons olive oil Knob butter 1 tablespoon brandy 1/2 cup (4 fl oz) Madeira Wine (or red wine if you prefer) salt and freshly milled black pepper

METHOD

For this chateaubriand recipe, you will need a large cast iron or steel frying pan or skillet - one without a wooden or plastic handle that can go inside the oven. If you don't have one, use a medium size, lightly oiled heavy based roasting tin for the oven cooking, and a frying pan for the stove top cooking.

1. Preheat the oven to 445F, 230C, gas mark 8. If you are using a different pan for the oven cooking, put it in the oven to get really hot.

2. Unwrap the chateaubriand and season with freshly milled black pepper.

3. Put the pan that you are using on the stove over a medium/high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Allow it to get very hot until it just starts to smoke.

4. Keeping the heat on high, add the beef fillet to the pan and quickly sear one side, and then the other. This should only take a minute or two at the most to achieve a crusty golden seal.

5. Now put the pan straight into the oven (or transfer to the preheated oven pan) on the middle shelf and roast for 10 to 15 minutes depending on how rare you like it.

6. While that's happening, cut the mushrooms into thick slices. If you are using the garlic (some folk prefer not to mix romance with garlic!), chop it finely. Now pour yourself a glass of wine.....and relax for a few minutes!

7. When the chateaubriand is ready, remove it from the oven and carefully transfer to a warmed plate and cover loosely with a piece of tin foil. Then leave it to rest for 15 minutes.

8. Reheat the stove top pan or skillet with about 2 tablespoons of the fat and juices from the beef pan. When it's hot, add a knob of butter.

9. Add the garlic to the pan and quickly stir through the hot fat to color slightly. Then add the sliced mushrooms and a seasoning of salt and freshly milled black pepper.

10. Now sauté the mushrooms for about 2 minutes turning frequently adding a little more oil if the pan becomes too dry.

11. Turn the heat up to maximum and deglaze the pan by adding the brandy. If you are feeling like a professional chef by now (!), and you are heating by gas, tilt the pan towards the open flame to let it flambé.

12. Once the brandy has all but evaporated, turn the heat down to low and add the Madeira wine. Allow it to simmer gently and reduce for about a minute.

TO SERVE

Carve the beef fillet in thick slice and arrange on a warm serving plate. Pile the mushrooms on top and drizzle the Madeira jus over.

About the Author

Robert Jackson has worked all of his life in the hospitality business. Now at http://www.gourmet-food-revolution.com/, he shares his views, ideas, tips and guidance on entertaining at home.......with style, and ease!