Cranberry-Stuffed Beef Tenderloin

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°. In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries, wine, shallots and butter. Cook over medium heat until berries pop, about 15 minutes.
2. Cut a lengthwise slit down the center of the tenderloin to within 1/2 in. of bottom. Open tenderloin so it lies flat. On each half, make another lengthwise slit down the center to within 1/2 in. of bottom; open the roast. Flatten with a meat mallet to 1/2-in. thickness.
3. Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper; spread cranberry mixture over meat. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Tie tenderloin at 2-in. intervals with kitchen string. Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.
4. Bake 40-50 minutes or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 135°; medium, 140°; medium-well, 145°). Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
5. Meanwhile, saute shallots in 1 tablespoon butter until tender. Add the juice, wine, broth and thyme. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Serve sauce with beef. If desired, garnish beef with additional fresh thyme sprigs.