Steak with an Orange Bourbon Glaze

What do you do when a friend generously gives your fruit off of her tree?  Figure out how to use it all in creative recipes before it all spoils!  Such is the case for me and 2 dozen California navel oranges.  While I have been juicing and adding to smoothies, I still have so many to left enjoy.  And while I would love to make mini orange angle food cakes and other sweets, I started with a savory recipe.  Filet Mignon steaks with an Orange Bourbon Glaze.  It is amazing in flavor, and elevates the steaks to an even tastier level. I've adapted the recipe here from the Food Network.  Start by marinating the meat, then make the sauce.  It makes an excessive amount of sauce, good for side dishes or save it for a chicken dish the next night!

Orange slices simmering down in the glaze

Ingredients for Orange Bourbon Glaze:

2 tablespoons diced shallots  

1/4 cup butter, divided 

2 seedless oranges, peeled and segmented 

1/2 cup bourbon

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups beef stock

Equipment needed:
Large saucepan
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and chopping board

Directions:

In the saucepan over medium-high heat saute the shallots in 2 tablespoons of butter until caramelized, about 3 minutes.  Whisk in the bourbon (careful, it will sizzle!), water, oranges, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and add beef stock. Simmer until mixture is a sauce-like consistency. This will take a while, about 20 minutes to reduce it by half.   Remove from heat. Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. 

Tasty steak with orange glaze sauce

Ingredients for Steaks:

1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil 

2 (5 ounce) Filet Mignon steaks

Equipment needed:  
Medium bowl
Plastic wrap
Non-stick fry pan with lid
Rubber-tipped tongs

Directions:

In a medium bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, cayenne, salt, pepper and 2 tablespoons canola oil. Rub mixture on both sides of the steak. Cover bowl with plastic wrap to marinate and put in refrigerator for 1 hour. After marinating for 1 hour, take it out and let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.  Add some olive oil to the pan over medium high heat.  When the pan is hot, carefully add in the steaks, turn after 3 minutes.  Add lid to cover pan to ensure even cooking.  Cook steaks to your preferred level of done-ness, remove with tongs and place on a plate.  Spoon Orange Bourbon glaze on top of steak.  Enjoy!