Steak Au Poivre

A classic French dish, steak au poivre is a pan-seared filet mignon with a crunchy peppercorn crust and rich Cognac sauce.

Fresh cracked peppercorns covering a wonderful piece of steak. Courtesy of Jennifer Segal

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When I was twenty years old, I signed up to work as a summer au pair in Paris. I went there believing I’d be visiting museums and lingering in Parisian cafés as the children scampered about me in adorable berets, always ready and willing to take a nap when I needed a break. HA! I still laugh about that to this day. Instead, I was taking care of three mischievous little boys—and a puppy—running errands, and ironing children’s clothes for hours on end.