Want to walk on the wild side? This Mother’s Day appetizer recipe will do you right for Mother’s Day IF your mom is willing to try Steak Tartare.

Serve it as an appetizer, or heck, serve it as a meal. But just one tip, don’t “surprise” Mom with this without fair warning. You want her to speak to you again.

If she’s game, serve away! Happy Mother’s Day, moms!

Duo Filet Appetizers

(Serves 10)

Steak Tartare

2 6 oz. Filet Mignon

2 Fresh Egg yolks

4 Anchovy Filet, packed in oil

4 tsp. Capers

2 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard

3 Tbsp. Red Onion, finely minced

1 Tbsp. Parsley, chopped

Salt and Pepper

Finely chop the filet until evenly minced and set aside.  Combine the anchovy, capers and mustard and mix in a mortar and pestle or mash with the back of a fork until formed into a paste.  Mix in the onion, parsley and yolks and stir to combine.  Season the meat with salt and pepper and mix with the anchovy mixture.  Serve with toast or crackers.  (Note, consuming raw or undercooked foods may lead to food borne illness.)

I love recipes that could either be appetizers or serve as a meal. In my life, everything — including food — needs to be flexible and go with the flow.

This recipe uses tender filet mignon and lots of yummy flavors. 

See for yourself!!

Beef Carpaccio

2 6 oz. Filet Mignon (Frozen)

Good Quality Sea Salt

Fresh Cracked Pepper

Truffle Oil

1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice

1 Cup Arugula

Using a slicer shave the filet as thinly as possible, placing the frozen slices right onto the serving plate.  Have an idea of the plating arrangement before you start, once the meat thaws, you won’t be able to move it.  Season with the salt and pepper and drizzle with the truffle oil.  Toss the arugula with the lemon juice and some salt, pepper and truffle oil and mound in the center of the carpaccio.  Serve with toast or crackers.

Okay, this recipe mixes two flavors many people crave — the ultimate in tender beef (the filet mignon) with tasty, distinctive shellfish (your choice of lobster, crab or shrimp).

It’s a little twist on the old “Surf and Turf” theme, combining the “surf” part right into the butter that will flavor the steak itself.

Utter genious.

And, it’s a simple recipe for steak butter you can try at home! I’m thrilled!

Give it a try!  

Grilled Filet with Shellfish Butter

(Serves four)

4 6oz. Filet Mignon

8 oz. Shells (Lobster, crab or shrimp)

8 oz. Butter

¼ Cup chopped Carrot

¼ Cup chopped Celery

½ Cup chopped Onion

1 clove Garlic, chopped

1 tsp. Tomato Paste

2 Tbsp. Brandy (optional)

2 sprigs Tarragon (optional)

Salt and Pepper

In a medium saucepan, sweat the onion, carrot and celery until soft, in 1 tsp. of the butter.  Add the garlic, tarragon and tomato paste and shells and cook for several minutes, stirring regularly.  If using shrimp shells, they should turn pink, since crab and lobster are already cooked, just break up the shells with a spoon or meat tenderizer if they are too thick.  Add brandy to deglaze and cook until almost dry.  Add the remaining butter. 

Cook over low heat for twenty minutes, stirring regularly.  Strain through a fine meshed strainer into a bowl and place in the refrigerator.  Once the butter has nearly set, spoon onto a sheet of plastic wrap and roll into a log, tying the ends tightly and return to the refrigerator.

Season the filet on both sides with salt and pepper and grill to desired doneness, about 4 minutes per side for medium.  Slice the butter into thick slices and place on top of the filet while it is resting.  The heat from the filet should start melting to butter, if it doesn’t place it under a broiler for around fifteen seconds.