Beef Fondue with a Classic Béarnaise sauce (easy)
It is that time of the year, again, time to spend some extra love on your sweetheart! We always find it, silly, that people go out to a big dinner on Valentine’s Day. They stuff themselves to the point of bursting. Silly, I mean, isn’t Valentine’s Day, the day for “love”.
We usually stay home for Valentine’s Day. Guaranteed a better meal at a faction of the cost. We, do go the extra mile, by setting a proper table, complete with candles and flowers. We splurge a decent bottle of wine or champagne. We don’t turn the TV or computer on. We put a little romantic music on, like Barry White. And we fix a meal, that we normally do not have.
Last year we noshed on beef fondue with a classic Bearnaise sauce. I know, Bearnaise sauce, sounds like a crazy thing to make, being French and all. My recipe is easy and foolproof. If you are not familiar with Bearnaise, it is a classic French sauce made of white vinegar, wine, egg yolks, tarragon and lots of butter. I use a food processor, which makes all the difference; thick, creamy and it does not curdle.
I purchase a nice piece of beef, usually a tenderloin, as you want a tender piece of meat. Stay within your budget, ask the butcher for some help. Freeze the meat for 30 minutes before slicing, it makes the process easier. After slicing thinly, lay the slices on a nice platter, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, then slide into the fridge, until you are ready to eat.
What? You don’t have a fondue pot? You still have time. Here, are a few favorites that are great for meat, cheese or dessert fondues. As well check some others that I think are adorable. I may have to add another one to our collection! Be sure to make sure you have fondue fuel or sterno for your pot.
For meat fondue, I like to use Safflower oil, it is light and can withstand high heat. About 15 minutes before starting your fondue party, heat enough oil that will fill your fondue pot, in a saucepan on the stove. Gently pour the hot oil into your fondue pot, then light the heat source; it will keep the oil at a heat that can cook the meat. Thread some slices of meat on a fondue fork, cook, then pass the Bearnaise.
There you have it, a meaty dinner that will still leave room for all that Valentine romance you have been waiting for!
Happy Valentine’s Day.
