Mike loves France and French cooking (not to mention wine)! He has adapted several recipes we learned in France to make his own creation.

Mike's Steak Au Poivre French living.
Name:	Mike's Steak Au Poivre
Description:	Steak Au Poivre is French for peppered steak. This is Mike's own variation on a classic French dish and is absolutely delicious!
Ingredients:	1 stick (1/2 C) butter 1 Diamond F Brand Sirloin steak 1/2 Cup cracked or ground peppercorns 1/4 Cup cognac or brandy 1 Cup heavy cream 1 pound of sliced, fresh mushrooms, sauteed in butter (optional)
Directions:	Melt 1/2 of the stick of butter on medium heat Pat steaks dry with paper towel Rub pepper on steak while butter is heating Cook steak in butter for 4 minutes per side (or to desired doneness) Pour cognac over steak Ignite steak with long match Remove steak when flames subside and place them in a warm oven Melt remaining half stick of butter in pan Add cream and thicken stirring constantly Serve sauce over steak If you want to include sauteed mushrooms, get them sauteeing in butter before starting the steak and include them in the sauce at the end of cooking
Created By:	Mike McNeil

Mike includes a cautionary caveat here not to do what he calls "Redneck Steak Au Poivre" which consists of replacing the brandy or cognac to ignite the steak with gasoline, diesel, or charcoal starter. He says "it's not only dangerous, but probably doesn't taste good either!"