Empty Nest Filets

Directions

1. 1
   Place a heavy frying pan over medium heat and let it heat up.
2. 2
   Add the butter and tip the pan so the butter sizzles but doesnt burn.
3. 3
   Add the shallot and cook briefly until it softens, then add the mushrooms and cook until theyre just short of done.
4. 4
   Using a slotted spoon, remove the mushrooms from the pan, leaving the butter and mushroom juice.
5. 5
   Turn the heat to high.
6. 6
   Add the steaks and sear on both sides.
7. 7
   (This recipe will produce rare to medium-rare steaks; if you or your date likes shudder well-done beef, you can butterfly that steak, put it in the pan first, and cook it with a cover on until its done through before you add the good steak.
8. 8
   ).
9. 9
   Remove the steaks from the pan.
10. 10
    Add the brandy and a lot of black pepper, and cook down until its syrupy.
11. 11
    Put the steaks and the mushrooms back in the pan and let them all cook together for a few minutes, until the steaks are done to your liking and hot through, and the flavors have all blended.