Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin And Super Stuffed Potatoes With Smoked Gouda And Caramelized Mushrooms And Onions Recipes

Steps:

• For the tenderloin: Begin by placing a large sheet of plastic wrap on a clean bench top (use 2 overlapping sheets if you have to). In the center of the plastic, lay the bacon slices vertically, slightly overlapping one another, working from left to right. Sprinkle the tenderloin with the salt and pepper. Place the beef tenderloin horizontally across the strips of bacon (along the bottom of the rectangle of bacon). Roll up the plastic and bacon around the beef so it is wrapped tightly and evenly. Twist the ends of plastic to tighten and form the meat into an even log shape. Place in the refrigerator to firm up for 1 hour so the bacon sticks to the beef and the roast retains its nice even shape.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Set a large cast-iron pan (or roaster) over high heat and coat lightly with canola oil. Remove the beef from the fridge and discard the plastic. Place the roast seam-side down in the pan and brown on all four sides, 4 to 5 minutes per side. When completely browned, place the whole pan in the oven and roast for about 30 minutes (an instant-read thermometer should register 135 degrees F for medium-rare). When done, remove from the oven and transfer the roast to a platter to rest before slicing into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
• For the peppercorn sauce: Set the pan used for the beef over medium heat. Discard all but 2 to 3 tablespoons of fat from the pan, and then add the garlic and shallots. Season with some salt and saute until caramelized, 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the green peppercorns. Mix well, and then remove the pan from the heat and carefully add the whiskey (you can flambe if you like here by igniting the alcohol in the pan). Return the pan to the heat and cook down until just about all the liquid has reduced before adding the beef stock and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook to allow flavors to meld, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the cold butter cubes, swirling as they dissolve. Taste and, if needed, season with more salt. Serve with the slices of bacon wrapped tenderloin.

Steps:

• Preheat the broiler to high.
• Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on High for 15 minutes, rotating once. While the potatoes are cooking, make the stuffing for the potatoes.
• Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat with about 2 tablespoons of the EVOO (twice around the pan). Add the mushrooms and cook until they start to brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the onions, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes.
• While all that is working, line the bacon slices up on a meat-safe cutting board a few inches apart. Preheat a second skillet over high heat with the remaining 2 tablespoons of EVOO. Season the steaks with salt and pepper and center each steak atop a bacon slice. Wrap the bacon over the steaks. Place seam side down in the skillet and cook for 2 minutes on each side. Reduce the heat to medium under the steaks after the first 2 minutes on each side. Cook the meat, turning occasionally, for another 6 to 10 minutes for medium rare to medium well.
• Once the potatoes are cooked, cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh into a medium bowl, taking care not to rip the potato skins. Using a potato masher, smash the potato flesh together with the sour cream until combined. Stir in the sautéed mushrooms and onions, shredded Gouda, salt, and pepper. Mound the filling back into the potato skins. Place on a cookie sheet and transfer to the broiler, 6 inches from the heat, until lightly brown, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Serve the bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin alongside the super-stuffed potatoes.