Twenty years ago I watched ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and swore I’d go to one of those cool New Year’s Eve parties like Meg Ryan all dressed up in a funky loft.

I’m still waiting.

In the meantime, New Year’s Eve has typically become a night where we watch an old movie and cook something we’d never cook during the rest of the year. Something with an au jus or a reduction sauce or a tied sprig of herbs. Something, with {gasp} measurements! In other words, something that can make you feel like you’re at a New Year’s Eve bash without actually being at one. Because I mean, why sport for a sitter and get all dressed up when you can stay at home and save money and be practical? (If I keep saying it maybe I’ll actually believe it). Of course I want to go out and get a sitter and get all dressed up and eat shrimp on a little stick and say “Am I the dog in this scenario?” but let’s face it, I’m not exactly on the Desperate Housewives of Atlanta A-List. So instead I’ll turn my house into something different. And at least if my daughter has a tantrum she’ll have one in a fancy dress.

For the kids, it’s fondue all the way. Chocolate, cheese, strawberries, grapes and mini Rice Krispy treats. Dessert can be eaten at the same time as dinner, of course.

For the adults, something rich. Something in the form of a petite filet. Yes, this is probably the only time of the year I’d make this and set it atop a monstrous pile of smashed potatoes with some sauteed spinach on the bottom. It looks really pretty, goes great with a glass of Pinot Noir and just fits the mood.

So who cares if you’re not invited anywhere cool this year? Make your own cool.

Petite Filet with Red Wine Sauce with Smashed Potatoes and Sauteed Spinach (yeah baby, eat your heart out Snooki)

Ingredients:

• 2-4 Petite Filets (get good ones from a butcher…old school style in wrapped paper)
• Dry Red Wine
• Shallots
• Beef Stock
• Flour
• Butter or Margarine
• Kosher Salt
• Pepper
• Sprig of Herbs
• Bag of Fresh Spinach
• Olive Oil
• 6-8 Baking Potatoes
• Non Dairy Creamer or Half and Half

Directions:

1. Allow filets to sit at room temp for appx 30 minutes.
2. Sprinkle with a little kosher salt and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Preheat oven to 375.
4. Put filets in roasting pan and cook for appx 20-30 minutes (more if you like it well done).
5. While beef is cooking, slip into something super sexy and make the reduction sauce. Nothing feels better than a hot mama cooking a reduction sauce while in her New Year’s Eve best.
6. Saute a few chopped shallots in some butter or margarine. Add some pepper (or whole peppercorns), a cup of red wine and herbs.
7. Bring to a boil and then lower temp until sauce reduces to one half.
8. Add one cup of beef stock and bring to a boil again, then lower temp and reduce further.
9. Sashay around your kitchen in your heels feeling hot that you just made a double reduction sauce.
10. Strain herbs.
11. Add a tablespoon of flour and mix until dissolved.
12. Let filets sit for at least five minutes before adding sauce.

For Smashed Potatoes:

1. Boil 4-6 potatoes for at least 20 minutes in salt water. (When fork can pierce easily into potatoes they’re done.)
2. Drain.
3. Smash potatoes in pan with skin.
4. When chunky, add 1/2 stick margarine, kosher salt and non dairy creamer or half and half.
5. Keep smashing until desired consistency. Add heat if necessary.
6. Sprinkle in fresh pepper.
7. Meantime, throw a little olive oil in another pan and toss in some fresh garlic. Heat on medium high.
8. Add bag of spinach and an ice cube along with some kosher salt and cover for 4-5 minutes. Spinach will wilt when it’s done!
9. Plate the spinach first, topped with smashed potatoes and then filet. Drizzle wine sauce over and voila! You have the ultimate New Year’s Eve dinner that would have cost you a fortune at a a swanked out bistro (but don’t get me wrong, I’d still pay for it anyway, too.)
10. Happy New Year!

*Movie Suggestions*

• Cinema Paradiso
• Roman Holiday
• An Affair to Remember
• Casablanca
• When Harry Met Sally

Tags: Petite Filet, Red Wine Sauce, Smashed Potatoes, Spinach, Steak