Bistro Duck and Wild Mushrooms, Two Ways

CLASSIC BISTRO DUCK AND WILD MUSHROOMS
Sautéed Breast of Duck with Crispy Skin
Oyster, Shiitake, and Porcini Mushrooms in a Beef Stock Reduction


CONTEMPORARY BISTRO DUCK AND WILD MUSHROOMS
Sautéed Breast of Duck, Seasoned with Szechuan Pepper & Flor de Sal
Roasted Wood Ear and Shiitake Mushrooms
Crispy Polenta Cake and Wilted Mizuna Greens
Porcini Reduction Sauce and Pomegranate Balsamic Vinaigrette

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Lincoln Dinner at Delmonico’s, February 12, 1900

Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
Red Wine Mushroom Sauce
Spinach in Puff Pastry

Served on an authentic reproduction of the Lincoln Presidential dinner service plates.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential China

The Lincoln China was the Kennedys preferred pattern for dining in the White House.

Mary Todd Lincoln was renowned for her enjoyment of shopping, thus she selected the Lincoln White House china shortly after her husband’s inauguration. An elegant French design, the Lincoln china combines the American eagle with various decorations in a brilliant color called “solferino”. This purple-red hue was invented by the French in 1859 and was very popular among the fashionable hosts of the Lincolns’ day. Authentic reproductions can be purchased at the JFK Museum Store here.

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Filet Mignon, Mushroom Madeira, Crumbled Bleu

Filet Mignon over Madeira Wine Sauce with Mushrooms, Topped with Crumbled Bleu Cheese
I posted a similar recipe back in October, this time I added mushrooms and bleu cheese. It is so delicious and flavorful, and fast and easy to prepare, I thought I would share this version too.

I start by cooking the sliced crimini mushrooms in a little olive oil until the are browned. Cook’s Tip: Leave the mushrooms alone until they have caramelized on the bottom, then toss.

Meanwhile, I season an 8 oz. filet mignon with course salt and fresh ground pepper.

The filet is dipped in olive oil then place in a hot pan, over medium high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side to get a nice crust. Then into a pre-heated 450 oven for another 3 to 4 minutes depending on the degree of doneness preferred.

 

At the same time, I make the sauce with 1/4 cup finely diced shallot or red onion, 1 cup of Madeira, and a 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme. This is reduced over high heat by about a third. Then 1 cup of beef stock is added and reduced further.

About 2 T. butter are swirled into the sauce, seasoning adjusted.
Madeira is a fortified wine from Portugal. Its unique raisin, spicy, caramel, nutty, smokey flavors make for an extraordinary tasty sauce.

 

Pour the sauce onto the plate, add the browned seasoned mushrooms and the filet. Top with bleu cheese crumbles.
In only about 20 minutes, you can have a complex-flavored Steakhouse style meal. I like to serve it with a light spinach salad…
The Madeira Wine Guide is an excellent source for information about this wine, its history and the islands where it is produced.