1.8 pounds baking potatoes peeled cut into 1/2-inch sticks ( 2 large potatoes)
0.5 teaspoon pepper black divided freshly ground
2 tablespoons brandy
1.5 teaspoons butter
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
2 teaspoons thyme leaves fresh divided chopped
0.8 teaspoon kosher salt divided
0.8 cup less-sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons shallots finely chopped
1 pound rump steak boneless trimmed
Equipment
frying pan
baking sheet
oven
whisk
Directions
Position 1 oven rack on the highest setting. Position another rack on the lowest setting.
Preheat oven to 45
Arrange potatoes in a single layer on baking sheets. Coat with cooking spray; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
Bake at 450 for 40 minutes or until golden brown, stirring potatoes and rotating pans halfway through. Toss potatoes with 1 teaspoon thyme.
Heat a 12-inch heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray.
Sprinkle both sides of steak with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Add steak to pan; saut 3 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness.
Remove from pan; keep steak warm.
Add shallots to pan; saut 2 minutes.
Add brandy; bring to a boil, scraping pan to loosen browned bits.
Add beef broth, Dijon mustard, and remaining 1 teaspoon thyme; bring to a boil. Cook until reduced to 2/3 cup (about 3 minutes).
Add remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Add butter, stirring with a whisk.
Slice steak.
Serve with shallot pan reduction sauce and potatoes.
Wine note: This classic dish deserves its classic match: cabernet sauvignon. If price is no object, opt for a top red Bordeaux from France. But to stay under $30, a rich, full-bodied cabernet from California will do the trick. The Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 is a steal at just $ Karen MacNeil