ONION-SPINACH STUFFED BEEF TENDERLOIN

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425°F. In 10-inch skillet, heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Stir in spinach, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper; cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until spinach is wilted. Cool 5 minutes.
• With long knife, cut horizontally through long side of tenderloin, halfway up side of meat, stopping about 1/2 inch from other side. Open beef; cover with plastic wrap. Pound with flat side of meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/4 inch thick.
• Sprinkle beef with remaining 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Spoon spinach mixture over beef to within 1 inch of edges. Tightly roll up, beginning with long side. Tie with kitchen string at 1 1/2-inch intervals. Place beef, seam side down, on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is in thickest part of beef.
• Bake uncovered 25 to 30 minutes or until thermometer reads 135°F (for medium-rare). Cover loosely with foil; let stand 10 minutes or until thermometer reads 140°F.
• Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Cook shallots in butter 2 minutes or until tender. Stir in brandy; heat to boiling. Boil 3 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half. Add whipping cream. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered about 30 minutes or until reduced to about 1 1/2 cups. Remove from heat; stir in mustard, lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
• Remove string from beef before slicing. Serve beef with brandy cream sauce.