I played Top Chef tonight and cooked a meal with no recipe and just stuff in my refrigerator.
It turned out pretty good!
I cut up and sauted an onion, some celery, some carrot and an apple. I later added 1 clove of chopped garlic.
Then added the tenderloin to the pan to just sear it on the outside.
After searing, I added my secret ingredients…..
Pumpkin Beer and the BEST Apple Juice in the world. And some water (or chicken broth would work too).
I brought that to a boil and let the meat cook in the liquid until it registered 155* on the thermometer.
I fussed with it, stirred it, and partially put a lid on it while it cooked.
When the meat was done, I put it on the counter to rest.
Then I put the liquid through a sieve to get rid of vegetables.
I then made a roux with a plop of butter and some leftover bacon grease (from breakfast).
I added some water (like 1/3 cup) to deglaze the pan. Then added the brazing liquid and let it boil until it was slightly thichened.
I cut the meat in slices and let it sit in the sauce for a minute or two to reheat.
Tonight it was served with a baked potato, but spaetzle might also taste good!
It tasted pretty good! The sauce is a BIT on the sweet side.
It was fun to cook without a recipe!
Something tells me that big green bag on his shoulder isn’t full of anything CLEAN!
