CHRISTMAS RECIPE- Christmas Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington is a classic and elegant dish, perfect for Christmas! It features tender beef fillet wrapped in mushroom duxelles, prosciutto, and flaky puff pastry. Here’s how you can make it:

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### **🎄 Christmas Beef Wellington Recipe 🎄**

#### **Ingredients:**
- **1 (2 lb) beef tenderloin** (center-cut, trimmed)
- **Salt & black pepper** (to taste)
- **2 tbsp olive oil**
- **2 tbsp Dijon mustard**
- **8 oz mushrooms** (button or cremini, finely chopped)
- **1 small shallot** (finely chopped)
- **2 cloves garlic** (minced)
- **2 tbsp unsalted butter**
- **2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves**
- **6-8 slices of prosciutto**
- **1 sheet puff pastry** (thawed)
- **1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water** (egg wash)

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### **🔪 Instructions:**

#### **1️⃣ Prepare the Beef:**
- Pat the beef dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear the beef for **1-2 minutes per side** until golden brown.
- Remove from the pan, brush with Dijon mustard, and let it cool.

#### **2️⃣ Make the Mushroom Duxelles:**
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté shallots, garlic, and mushrooms until soft and moisture evaporates.
- Add thyme, season with salt & pepper, then let it cool.

#### **3️⃣ Wrap with Prosciutto:**
- Lay out **overlapping slices of prosciutto** on plastic wrap.
- Spread the mushroom mixture evenly on top.
- Place the beef in the center and roll it tightly using plastic wrap.
- Chill in the fridge for **15-20 minutes** to hold its shape.

#### **4️⃣ Wrap in Puff Pastry:**
- Roll out the puff pastry and place the wrapped beef in the center.
- Fold the pastry over, sealing the edges tightly. Trim excess dough.
- Brush with egg wash for a golden crust.
- Optional: Decorate with extra pastry shapes for a festive touch!

#### **5️⃣ Bake to Perfection:**
- Preheat oven to **400°F (200°C).**
- Bake for **35-40 minutes** (until golden brown and internal temp reaches 125°F for medium-rare).
- Rest for **10 minutes** before slicing.

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### **🎁 Serve & Enjoy!**
Slice into thick portions and serve with **red wine sauce, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.** 🎄✨

Would you like a special sauce recipe to go with it? 😊