Strip Steak with Pepper Cream Sauce.

Strip Steak with Pepper Cream Sauce
Recipe courtesy Alton Brown 2004

4 (6 to 8-ounce) strip steaks, 3/4 to 1-inch thick
Kosher salt
2 teaspoons black peppercorns, coarsely crushed
2 tablespoons clarified, unsalted butter
3/4 cup beef stock or broth
3 tablespoons cognac
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon green peppercorns in brine, drained and slightly crushed

Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.

Sprinkle steaks with kosher salt and crushed black pepper. Heat butter in a 12-inch, heavy bottomed saute pan over medium heat. Once butter is hot, add steaks and cook until browned on both sides, about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare and 3 minutes per side for medium. Remove steaks from pan and place on a rack set on a sheet pan; place in oven to keep warm.

Add the stock to the saute pan and whisk until the crispy bits release from bottom of pan. Allow the liquid to reduce for 3 to 4 minutes over medium-high heat. Add cognac, heavy cream, and green peppercorns to the pan. Increase heat to high and cook, whisking continually, until sauce thickens slightly, just enough to coat the back of a spoon; this will take 5 to 7 minutes.

Season the sauce, to taste, with kosher salt. Place steaks on plates, top with sauce, and serve immediately.