The name, vodka, comes from the Russian phrase zhiznennaia voda, or "water of life". It can be made from everything from potatoes to beets. It's considered to be fairly flavorless which makes it a great liquor for mixed drinks.

Tender cuts of steak are pan-seared with a black pepper crust and served with a rich cognac sauce.
4 cuts filet mignon
freshly ground black pepper
kosher salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup cognac
1 cup good beef or veal stock
1 tablespoon cold butter, diced
Bring steaks to room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Coat both sides with pepper then sprinkle with salt.
Heat vegetable oil over medium high heat in a large saute pan then add 1 Tb. butter. Reduce heat to medium and add steaks. Cook for 4 minutes on each side.
Remove steak from pan and add cognac using a wooden spoon to scrape the bits off the bottom of the pan. Add broth and reduce by half. Stir in cold butter along with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer steaks to a serving platter and spoon sauce over to serve.
Amy Powell, CDKitchen Staff
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The name, vodka, comes from the Russian phrase zhiznennaia voda, or "water of life". It can be made from everything from potatoes to beets. It's considered to be fairly flavorless which makes it a great liquor for mixed drinks.
Beer makes batters better, meat more tender, and sauces more flavorful.
This Italian cheese is so versatile that it can be used in both sweet and savory recipes from cheesecakes to lasagnas.
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