Ingredients

6 filet mignon, cut 1 1/4 inches thick
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup chopped shallots (3 to 4 shallots)
1 cup canned beef broth
1/2 cup good Cognac or brandy

Instructions

Place the filets on a board and pat them dry with paper
towels. Sprinkle the filets with salt and then press the black pepper evenly on both
sides. Allow to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of the butter and the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high
heat until the butter almost smokes. Place the steaks in the pan and lower the heat to
medium. Saute the steaks for 4 minutes on 1 side and then for 3 minutes on the other side,
for medium rare. Remove the steaks to a serving platter and cover tightly with aluminum
foil.

Meanwhile, pour all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the saute pan. Add the shallots and cook
over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add the beef broth and cook over high heat for 4 to 6
minutes, until reduced by half, scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add
the Cognac and cook for 2 more minutes. Off the heat, swirl in the remaining 2 tablespoons
of butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Serve the steaks hot with the sauce poured on top.