Filet Mignon with Goat Cheese and Balsamic Reduction

via A Hint of Honey

from our Valentine's Day feast.  Yum.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups balsamic vinegar
3 Tbsp. organic cane sugar (optional)
6 (4-6 oz.) fillet mignon steaks (about 1 inch thick)
salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. butter
2 oz. soft fresh goat cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. To make the balsamic reduction, combine the vinegar and sugar (optional) in a small heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer on medium-low, stirring occasionally, until thickened (about 15 minutes).

NOTE: Be sure to not cook the vinegar over too high of heat or for too long because it will cause the sugar to harden. Remove it from the heat before it has reached the consistency you desire. It will further thicken as it cools.

2. Meanwhile, preheat the broiler. Melt the butter in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. Cook the steaks to desired doneness (about 3 minutes on each side for medium-rare.) Transfer to a baking sheet and top with crumbled goat cheese. Place under the broiler for about a minute, until the cheese melts. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

3. Place steaks on plates, drizzle with warm balsamic reduction, and serve.

Serves 6.

Chocolate Mousse

via Betty Crocker

For our Valentine's day feast.

Ingredients:

4

egg yolks 

1/4

cup sugar

1

cup whipping (heavy) cream

1

package (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)

1 1/2

cups whipping (heavy) cream

Instructions:

• 1 Beat egg yolks in small bowl with electric mixer on high speed about 3 minutes or until thick and lemon colored. Gradually beat in sugar.
• 2 Heat 1 cup whipping cream in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat until hot. Gradually stir at least half of the hot whipping cream into egg yolk mixture; stir back into hot cream in saucepan. Cook over low heat about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens (do not boil). Stir in chocolate chips until melted. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, just until chilled.
• 3 Beat 1 1/2 cups whipping cream in chilled medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff. Fold chocolate mixture into whipped cream. Pipe or spoon mixture into serving bowls. Immediately refrigerate any remaining dessert after serving.