How to cook perfect beef tenderloin

Beef tenderloin is that good!

When beef tenderloin goes on special - and that's a relative term, I realize - I've been known to invent a special occasion as an excuse to make it. It's that good. Beef tenderloin is a perfect example of how good quality ingredients prepared simply make for something that is really special.

Dinners during the holiday season when we are celebrating the blessings of our lives, it's even more special. This Christmas Eve, we prepared beef tenderloin, balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts, potato gratin with regular potatoes and sweet potatoes, and a simple salad. Everyone at the table was very happy. It would make a wonderful New Year's Eve meal.

Beef tenderloin is one of those roasts that is delicious as is or with a sauce of your choosing. And leftovers are spectacular for things like lunchtime sandwiches or a beef Caesar salad. Or just plain snacking - for us, not a scrap is wasted.

How to cook beef tenderloin

Perfect Beef Tenderloin

Serves 8

Ingredients:

• One (4 to 5 pound) beef tenderloin roast, preferably trimmed
• 4 to 6 cloves garlic, crushed
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon or so rosemary
• 1 teaspoon or so thyme
• Olive oil
• Butcher's twine

Directions:

1. The day before serving, examine your tenderloin and trim off any excess fat or tendons. Using a mortar and pestle, grind together the garlic, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme, using a little olive oil to smooth it along. Rub this mixture all over the tenderloin. Cover and refrigerate 24 hours.
2. Remove the tenderloin from the refrigerator an hour before roasting and let it come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
3. Tie up the tenderloin such that it is even in thickness, tucking up the thinner tail if necessary. Insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the roast and place in a shallow roasting pan.
4. Roast 35 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 120 degrees F. Loosely cover with foil and allow to rest for 15 minutes before carving. And that's it. You're done! Slice and serve.

Side dish for beef tenderloin

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced lengthwise
• Kosher salt
• 1 to 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 to 4 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Place the Brussels sprouts in a baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and vinegar and toss the sprouts around.
3. Repeat with the olive oil.
4. Roast for 30 minutes, tossing several times during the cooking process. Sprinkle on a little more kosher salt just before serving.

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