Fillet of Beef with Peppercorns

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons green peppercorns, drained and divided
• Butter-flavored vegetable cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons Cognac
• 1/2 cup canned no-salt-added beef broth, undiluted
• 1 (8-ounce) beef tenderloin steak (1 1/2 inches thick)
• 1 tablespoon water

Preparation

1. Crush 1 1/2 teaspoons peppercorns, using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Coat a small heavy saucepan with cooking spray; place over medium heat until hot. Add crushed peppercorns, and cook 1 minute. Add Cognac; heat just until warm. Ignite with a long match; let flames die down. Add beef broth; cook over high heat 5 minutes or until reduced by half. Set aside.
2. Wrap handle of a small nonstick skillet with aluminum foil. Coat skillet with cooking spray; place over medium-high heat until hot. Add steak, and cook 2 minutes on each side. Immediately place skillet in oven. Bake at 400° for 5 minutes. Turn steak, and cook an additional 5 minutes or to desired degree of doneness. Remove skillet from oven. Place steak on a serving plate, and keep warm, reserving drippings in skillet.
3. Add reduced broth mixture, water, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns to drippings in skillet. Place over medium-high heat; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Slice meat into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Spoon broth mixture over meat, and serve immediately.