Herb Roasted Chateaubriand  With Brandied Shallot Sauce

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients:
One chateaubriand roast (wide end of the tenderloin), about 3 pounds
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter, plus 1 tablespoon
1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
1/2 cup brandy
1/2 teaspoon low-salt beef base, dissolved in 1 cup hot water
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. To prepare the roast, remove all of the silver skin with a small sharp knife. If needed, tie the roast with butcher's twine to make it an even size. (Your butcher can do all of that for you.) The meat should be at room temperature before cooking.

2. Preheat oven to 400° F. Rub the mustard all over the meat. In a small bowl, combine the garlic, thyme, parsley, salt and pepper. Rub or pat the mixture all over the meat. Heat a 12-inch ovenproof skillet over high heat. Add the olive oil, then the meat. Sear until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Place in the oven and roast until desired doneness, about 35 minutes for medium-rare, or an internal temperature of 125°. Remove roast from pan and let set about 10 minutes before carving.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. Pour off the fat from the skillet. Place over medium-high heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shallots and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the brandy, bring to a boil, stirring to loosen all the browned bits in the bottom of the pan, and reduce slightly. Add the water with the beef base and the thyme. Boil until reduced by half. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the extra 1 tablespoon of butter and cook, whisking constantly, just until the butter is incorporated. Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste for seasoning. Remove the twine from the roast and slice as desired, but not too thick. Place on individual serving plates and top with some of the sauce. Serve immediately.