Lobster-Stuffed Beef Wellington

Directions

• 1. Using kitchen scissors, cut through lobster shells; carefully remove lobster and chop. In a small skillet, combine the lobster, cream, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook 3-5 minutes or until lobster is firm and opaque. Discard thyme sprigs. Stir in bread crumbs; set aside to cool.
• 2. Make a lengthwise slit down the center of tenderloin to within 1/2 in. of bottom. Open meat so it lies flat. Place lobster mixture down the center. Close tenderloin; tie several times with kitchen string. Sprinkle with remaining salt and pepper.
• 3. Place the tenderloin in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan; fold ends under tenderloin. Bake, uncovered, at 475° for 20-25 minutes or until browned. Cool to room temperature; refrigerate until chilled.
• 4. On a lightly floured surface, unfold one puff pastry sheet; cut lengthwise along one fold line, forming two rectangles. Cut smaller rectangle into a 6x3-in. rectangle; use remaining piece for decorations if desired. Moisten a 6-in. edge of large rectangle with water. Attach smaller rectangle along that edge, pressing lightly to seal. Roll out 2 in. longer than the tenderloin on each side. Transfer to an ungreased baking sheet. Brush with egg white.
• 5. Remove and discard kitchen string from tenderloin; place onto the pastry. Roll out remaining puff pastry into a rectangle 8 in. wide and 5 in. longer than the tenderloin; place over the meat. Brush pastry edges with water; fold edges under meat. With a sharp knife, make four slashes across top of pastry. Brush with butter.
• 6. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 40 minutes (meat will be cooked to medium doneness); cover loosely with foil to prevent overbrowning if necessary. Transfer to a serving platter. Let stand for 15 minutes before slicing.
• 7.