A Fast Saute Of Beef For Two Recipe - Part Ii

CONTINUED FROM PART I:

Sauteing the meat:

Set the mushroom saute pan over moderately high heat, adding a little butter and oil. When very hot, almost smoking, add the meat. Brown, tossing frequently for several minutes, until barely springy when pressed -- the beef must be very rare because it gets a little more cooking later. Toss it with a sprinkling of salt, and scrape it into the dish with the mushrooms.

The Sauce:

Spoon all but a tablespoon of fat out of the pan, stir in the minced shallots or scallions, and saute a moment; then pour in the wine, the stock, and any juices from the onions. Boil rapidly and let reduce almost to a syrup before adding the optional cream (or the stock/cornstarch).

Final simmering:

Scrape the beef, onions, and mushrooms into the pan and bring to the simmer, basting with the sauce, just to warm the beef through without overcooking; it should be rosy rare. Taste the sauce carefully and correct seasoning.

Toss the potatoes over high heat to crisp, adding a tablespoon of butter, the herbs, and parsley. Strew the potatoes over the meat and serve.