COGNAC SAUCE FOR BEEF RECIPES

Steps:

• Sprinkle beef evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Brown fillets in hot oil in an ovenproof or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat 3 minutes on each side. Remove fillets, reserving drippings in skillet.
• Melt butter in drippings over medium-high heat. Add yellow and red onion rings, and sauté 5 minutes.
• Add green onions, shallots, and garlic, and sauté 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Stir in cognac and broth; cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until liquid evaporates (about 5 minutes). Place fillets on top of onion mixture in skillet. Cover with aluminum foil.
• Bake at 400° for 15 to 20 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion of meat registers 135° (medium rare).
• Remove fillets from skillet, reserving onion mixture in skillet; cover fillets loosely, and let stand at room temperature 10 minutes.
• Cook onion mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or until liquid evaporates. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with fillets.
• *1/4 cup red wine or beef broth may be substituted for cognac.

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
• Add shallots and saute about 4 minutes, until tender.
• Add brown sugar and cook, stirring, 1 minute more.
• Add the chicken and beef broth and the Cognac.
• Simmer until sauce is reduced to 1/2 cup, about 20 minutes.
• Add cream.
• The sauce can be made well in advance, covered and refrigerated or even frozen.
• If frozen, thaw before proceeding.
• Season steaks.
• Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat.
• Add the steaks to the skillet and cook to desired doneness.
• For medium rare, cook about 4 minutes per side.
• Remove steaks from skillet and place on a plate, keep warm.
• Add the sauce to the skillet and bring to a boil, scraping up any brown bits left from the steaks.
• Season.
• Slice the steaks and fan the slices on plates.
• Top with sauce and chives.