Bistro-Style Filet Mignon with Champagne Pan Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 beef Tenderloin Steaks, cut 1 inch thick (about 5 ounces each)
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse grind black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3/4 cup quick-cooking barley
• 1/2 cup brut Champagne or sparkling wine
• 1-3/4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup diced butternut squash
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• Salt

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1-1/2 cups assorted mushrooms, such as shiitake, cremini or button, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup reduced sodium beef broth
• 1/2 cup brut Champagne or sparkling wine
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Cooking:

1. Heat oil in 3-quart saucepan over medium heat until hot. Add barley and cook 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Stir in 1/2 cup of Champagne. Bring to a simmer. Cook and stir 30 to 60 seconds or until liquid is almost absorbed. Add 1-3/4 cup broth, squash and garlic; return to simmer and continue cooking 10 to 15 minutes or until barley is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in peas, cover and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes; keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, press coarsely cracked pepper on both sides of beef steak. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place steaks in skillet; cook 10 to 13 minutes for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Remove to platter; season with salt, as desired. Keep warm.
3. Heat oil in same skillet over medium heat until hot. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and browned. Add 3/4 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup Champagne and thyme to skillet, stirring until browned bits attached to bottom of pan are dissolved. Bring to a boil; cook 4 to 8 minutes or until mixture is reduced to 1 cup. Combine cornstarch and water; stir into mushroom mixture. Bring to a boil; cook 1 to 2 minutes or until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, as desired.
4. Serve steaks with sauce and risotto.