This is a great and easy peppercorn sauce to serve with your steak for Valentines Day, or any other special meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 finely chopped shallot
• 1 finely chopped clove of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of green peppercorns, crushed
• oil and butter
• splash of brandy
• 250 ml Stock
• Worcester sauce
• Dijon mustard
• cream (optional)

Method:

1. Cook your steak in a heavy bottomed frying pan to the desired done-ness.
2. Remove the steak and leave to rest whilst you make the sauce.
3. Put some oil and butter in the pan, add the shallot and garlic and the crushed peppercorns and fry until the shallot has become translucent.
4. Add a splash of brandy to the pan, and allow the alcohol to burn off.
5. Add 250ml of stock and a tablespoon of Worcester sauce, and cook until it has reduced by half.
6. At this point check the seasoning, add a good tablespoon of Dijon mustard and stir in some double cream if you want the sauce to be more indulgent.
7. Serve with your steak and french fries.