Bacon-Wrapped Filets with Scotched Mushrooms

Name: Bacon-Wrapped Filets with Scotched Mushrooms
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings.
Ingredients: 2 bacon strips; 2 beef tenderloin steaks (5 ounces each); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper; 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided; 2 cups sliced baby portobello mushrooms; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 tablespoons butter, divided; 1/4 cup Scotch; 1/2 cup diet ginger ale; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1-1/2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage

TOTAL TIME: Prep/Total Time: 30 min. YIELD: 2 servings.

I got the idea for bacon-wrapped filet mignon when I saw some on sale in the grocery store. The rest was inspired by my husband, because he once made a Scotch and ginger ale sauce. This elegant recipe is for two, but it can easily be doubled. —Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida

Ingredients

2 bacon strips
2 beef tenderloin steaks (5 ounces each)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
2 cups sliced baby portobello mushrooms
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons butter, divided
1/4 cup Scotch
1/2 cup diet ginger ale
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage

Directions

1. In a small skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until partially cooked but not crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain.
2. Preheat oven to 375°. Sprinkle steaks with salt and pepper; wrap a strip of bacon around the side of each steak and secure with toothpicks.
3. In a small ovenproof skillet coated with cooking spray, cook steaks in 1-1/2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat, 2 minutes on each side.
4. Bake, uncovered, until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 135°; medium, 140°; medium-well, 145°), 8-12 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute mushrooms and thyme in 1 tablespoon butter and remaining oil until tender; remove from heat. Add Scotch, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Stir in ginger ale, brown sugar, soy sauce and sage.
6. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until reduced by half, 3-5 minutes. Stir in remaining butter. Serve with steaks.

Nutrition Facts

1 filet with 1/3 cup mushroom mixture: 581 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 729mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.