Beef Tenderloin with Green Peppercorn-Brandy Sauce for Two

This is a winner for Valentines Day. The beef tenderloin is flavorful and melt in your mouth tender. The sauce is spicy and rich. Perfect for a romantic dinner for two.

Beef Tenderloin with Green Peppercorn-Brandy Sauce for Two

Ingredients:

* 2 (8 oz. ea) beef tenderloins
* salt and pepper
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 3 tablespoons chopped shallots
* 1 Tbl. green peppercorns
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard
* 2 tablespoons heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons brandy
* 2 tablespoons chopped chives for garnish

Directions:

1. Salt and pepper beef on both sides. Heat butter in medium skillet on medium heat.
2. Add beef; cook 5 min; turn, cook another 5 min. Remove to platter; tent with foil to keep warm.
3. In same skillet, add shallots and peppercorns. Cook 2 min. or until soft. Add broth, mustard, cream and brandy.
4. Cook 5 min. or until reduced to 1/2.
5. Place beef on serving plates. Top with sauce, garnish with chopped chives.

Apricot Stuffed Pork Chops

These Apricot Stuffed Pork Chops are a nice entree for a romantic meal. Lean the chop against a pile of stuffing and drizzle with the sauce for a nice tall presentation.

Apricot Stuffed Pork Chops

Stuffing:

• 4 oz. dried apricots, diced
• 1/4 cup brandy or red wine
• 1/3 cup hot water
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons fennel seed
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
• 2 eggs
• 8 ounces stuffing croutons
• Chicken broth- as needed for moisture

Chops:

• 8 4-ounce pork chops
• 1/4 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

1. Soak dried diced apricots in the brandy or red wine for at least 15 minutes or up to 24 hours.
2. Combine marinated apricots with the remaining stuffing ingredients. Moisten with chicken broth as needed.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
4. Make a slit in the chops by slicing halfway up the thickness of the chop.
5. Stuff each chop with 1/3 cup of the stuffing mixture. Spoon the remaining stuffing into a baking dish that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
6. Combine the apricot preserves with 1/4 cup of chicken broth in a 9X13 inch baking dish. Spread the sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish and place the chops on top.
7. Cover both dishes with aluminum foil and place in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes.
8. Check doneness with a meat thermometer. Pork is done when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.

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