Filet 'n Fridays are the Perfect Combo

For those of you old enough to remember L’Oréal Paris commercials, you may recall that they changed the way women colored their hair with one short statement, "Because I'm worth it!"

Brilliant! No long list of benefits, no disclaimer about ammonia, no confusion about price, measurements or tint. It was directed to EVERYONE who wanted to be elevated to stardom!

But how do you know if you're worth it? Well, I submit if you're breathing, you are pretty much first in line for the accolades. But it's hard, isn't it? Remembering that simple formula? Time and time again I find myself taking shortcuts to my own self-care. A long, hot bath is often replaced with sitting too long at my desk. Long and silly phone calls to friends become quick texts promising a rendezvous soon. And of course, dinner morphs from a nourishing and luxurious event to a boiled egg and sliced carrots. 

Well, just writing that makes me know I'm worth more than a root vegetable and a rubbery orb of protein! And last Friday I pulled out all the stops to create a fancy dinner at home with hubby and my dad by pan searing three beautiful filets, saute some colorful Swiss chard, and slicing a few little kiwi to make sure the plate was as lovely as possible. The recipe gives specific instructions as this is a lot going on at once, but comes together quickly. Check out the slide show and then step-by-step recipe below!

​Why, because you ARE worth it!

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RECIPE: Seared Filet Mignon, Moscato Braised Swiss Chard,
and Cheesy Jasmine Rice.

Serves 4 - Click to download printable version.

• Ingredients
• Method
• Extra Tips for Success

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4, 6 oz filet chops, about 1 ½ inches in height (size is important to achieve the results desired based on the method suggested below.)
3 large cloves garlic divided. 2 chopped finely, and one sliced thinly
4 T olive oil divided
½ small white onion, sliced thin
¾ C Moscato wine
8 C trimmed and rough chopped Swiss chard
½ C pecans, toasted and chopped
2 ½ C cooked white rice (I like Jasmine)
1 C grated mozzarella cheese
¼ C heavy cream
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
(Salad is kiwi slices tossed with a little pineapple white balsamic vinegar and some fresh mint.)
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​Once you stage all your ingredients, this all comes together very quickly. Have everything in front of you and watch all the food closely.
 
First, bring filets to room temperature, salt and pepper well, set aside. Begin by cooking the rice. While it’s cooking, chop the onion, garlic and the Swiss chard. Toast the pecans in a dry sauté pan for a few minutes, watching constantly, until lightly toasted.
 
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. On the stove heat a pan and then add 3 T oil. When hot, set the filets in and DO NOT MOVE for about 3 minutes. Then, flip each filet, sprinkle on the sliced garlic, and put in the oven. Cook for about 5 minutes for medium rare, 7 for medium well to well done. Remove, immediately tent with foil and let sit for 5-6 minutes.
 
Now, bring the 1 T oil to temperature in another pan, add the onion and the 2 cloves of chopped garlic. Sauté for about 4 minutes until onions are translucent. Add the Moscato wine and reduce by about half, about 2 minutes, then add the Swiss chard and stir until wilted. It won’t take long! Season with salt and pepper and garnish with the pecans. It is ready to serve.
 
For the rice, simply take cooked rice and add the cheese and cream and salt to taste. 

Most of us, at one time or another, find ourselves in the middle of cooking a meal and we have forgotten a detail or two that throws us into a tailspin. Because this dish comes together all at once, here are a few tips to keep your meal and relaxing success! 
1. Bring your meat to room temperature before cooking. Otherwise the methods described here will yield a raw center. 
2. Use a rice that YOU feel very comfortable with. It will help to have something that is foolproof on the stove. For me, I add the jasmine rice to boiling water, stir, cover, turn the heat to LOW and set the pan half on the burner and half off for exactly 20 minutes. FOOL PROOF.
3. Begin plating in stages. I tossed the Kiwi and balsamic and mint beforehand, and arranged that part on the dish long before dinner was served. 
4. Have all your ingredients READY. Chop everything, measure everything, keep it close. Mis en place is no JOKE. It makes you a rock star in the kitchen by having an organized set up of all your ingredients before you begin.
5. Don't take yourself too seriously. If you do mess up, laugh, learn and enjoy!