Ingredients:

**Recipe Title: French Christmas Beef Wellington**

**Description: ** This French-inspired Beef Wellington is a show-stopping dish perfect for Christmas dinner. Tender beef fillet wrapped in mushroom duxelles and puff pastry, baked to golden perfection.

**Servings: ** 7-8 people

**Prep Time: ** 30 minutes

**Cook Time: ** 25 minutes

**Ingredients: **

- 2 lb beef tenderloin

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 1 lb mushrooms, finely chopped

- 3 shallots, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tbsp butter

- 1/2 cup beef broth

- 1/4 cup chopped parsley

- 1 package puff pastry, thawed

- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

**Instructions: **

1. **Prepare Beef: ** Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned. Remove from heat and let it cool.

2. **Make Mushroom Duxelles: ** In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic, sauté until softened. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and it evaporates. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in beef broth and cook until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat, stir in parsley, and let it cool.

3. **Assemble Beef Wellington: ** Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface. Spread a layer of mushroom duxelles on the pastry. Place the seared beef in the center and wrap the pastry around it, sealing the edges. Brush the pastry with egg wash.

4. **Bake: ** Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the Beef Wellington on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the beef reaches your desired doneness.

5. **Rest and Serve: ** Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve the Beef Wellington sliced into thick portions.

**Special Tips: **

- For a richer flavor, you can add a layer of prosciutto or pâté before spreading the mushroom duxelles.

- Ensure the puff pastry is thawed but still cold to make it easier to work with.

- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef for accurate doneness.

**Variations: **

- Instead of beef, you can use pork tenderloin or salmon fillet for a different flavor.

- Add herbs like thyme or tarragon to the mushroom duxelles for extra aroma.