Bob Rae's Skillet Beef Tenderloin

Sprinkle steaks with salt and pepper. In 12-inch skillet heat 1 tablespoon butter and the oil over high heat. Cook steaks 1 to 2 minutes, until bottoms are browned. Reduce heat to medium. Turn steaks; cook 6 minutes more or until desired doneness (145 degrees F for medium-rare). Remove steaks; keep warm.

Add shallots to skillet. Cook 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove skillet from heat. Add cognac; return to medium heat. Cook 2 minutes, stirring to scrape up browned bits from pan. Add broth. Reduce heat to medium-low. Whisk in 1 tablespoon softened butter until smooth. Return steaks to skillet. Heat, spooning sauce over steaks. Top with parsley and peppercorns. Serve with Braised Swiss Chard.