STEAKS WITH MUSHROOMS, BLUE CHEESE AND FRIZZLED SHALLOTS
Veronica Callaghan, CT

This recipe was inspired by a favorite appetizer recipe, Crostini with Mushrooms, Prosciutto and Blue Cheese, that was published in the 2002 issue of Bon Appetit magazine.

Total preparation and cooking time: 40 minutes · Makes 4 servings.

4		beef round sirloin tip center steaks, cut 1 inch thick (about 8 ounces each)
4		slices thick-sliced bacon, cut in 1/2-inch pieces
1		tablespoon all-purpose flour
1		teaspoon salt, divided
1/2		teaspoon pepper, divided
2		small shallots, thinly sliced, separated into rings
8		ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, diced
2		tablespoons water
1/4		cup whipping cream
1/2		cup crumbled blue cheese
1/4		cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped

1. Cook bacon in nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with slotted spoon to paper towels, reserving 2 to 3 tablespoons drippings in skillet. Set aside.

2. Meanwhile combine flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in small bowl. Add shallots; toss to coat. Heat the bacon drippings over medium-high heat until hot. Add shallots. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until well browned, stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet with slotted spoon to paper towels. Set aside.

3. Reduce heat to medium. Season beef steaks evenly with remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place steaks in same skillet; cook 14 to 15 minutes for medium rare doneness, turning occasionally. Do not overcook. Remove to serving platter; season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Keep warm.

4. Add mushrooms and water to skillet. Cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Add cream. Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until cream is almost absorbed. Stir in cheese and bacon.

5. Spoon mushroom mixture over steaks. Top with shallots. Sprinkle with parsley.

Cook's Tip:
Four beef tri-tip steaks, cut 1 inch thick (about 4 to 6 ounce each) or two boneless top loin steaks, cut 1 inch thick (about 10 ounces each) may be substituted. Panbroil tri-tip steaks 9 to 12 minutes (top loin steaks 12 to 15 minutes) for medium rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally.

For recipe images, please contact Megan Severs at 312.228.6824 or via e-mail at megan.severs@ketchum.com.

When using this recipe, please credit with: © Cattlemen's Beef Board and National Cattlemen's Beef Association or Courtesy Cattlemen's Beef Board and National Cattlemen's Beef Association.