This is one of my hubby’s favorite dinners. It’s rich and hearty, and is beyond-describable-good! I don’t know where the original recipe came from, but I’ve been making this for almost 10 years now, and this recipe has been tweeked to suit our tastes. It does take some time to make, but that’s part of the fun and it’s SO worth it. Make it a date night by opening a bottle of wine and chatting while you’re putting it all together!

Steaks with Bacon Bourbon Sauce

Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cups dry red wine – use good wine that you would drink, not cheap stuff! If you open a new bottle, make sure to drink the rest of it with dinner for the “wow“ factor!
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 3/4 cups canned beef broth
• 1 1/4 cups canned chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 fresh thyme sprig or a pinch of dried thyme (that’s what I use)
• 8 ounces bacon (or more!), cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 package sliced button mushrooms
• 4 1-inch-thick beef tenderloin steaks
• 1 tablespoon good bourbon

To Prepare
Boil wine and garlic in heavy medium saucepan until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 15 minutes. Add next 5 ingredients; boil until reduced by half, about 20 minutes. Set sauce aside. (This sauce can be made 1 day ahead. If you do make it in advance, let it come to room temperature, then cover and chill.)

Cook bacon in a heavy, large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels. Pour off all but 1-2 tablespoons drippings from skillet. Add flour to drippings in skillet; whisk to blend. Cook 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually whisk in sauce; bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer until sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in another heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and saute until brown. Remove mushrooms and keep warm. Add the rest of the butter. Sprinkle steaks with salt and pepper. Add to skillet and cook to desired doneness, about 6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer steaks to plates.

Mix bacon, mushrooms, and bourbon into sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon over steaks.

Enjoy it with a green salad, mashed potatoes, and a bottle of Petite Syrah – it makes a fantastic, romantic dinner for two! Bon Appetit!