Beef Tenderloin With Artichoke Puree on Rye Toasts

yooper's Note:

A sophisticated appetizer I adapted from Bon Apetit. The original recipe called for 2 8-ounce tenderloin steaks, cooked and thinly sliced. I cheated and used deli roast beef to simplify things. The leftover puree makes a nice sauce for dipping vegetables or chips, and it makes a great sandwich spread!

• Total Time: 28 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 8 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 48 slices

• 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts , drained well
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon or ¾ teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest , grated
• 1 garlic clove , minced
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 lb good quality deli roast beef , sliced thinly
• 48 slices rye cocktail bread
• 48 small arugula leaves
• thinly shaved parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Puree artichokes in processor until almost smooth.
2. Add mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, tarragon, lemon peel, garlic, nutmeg and cayenne.
3. Process until well blended.
4. Transfer to a small bowl.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F.
7. Arrange cocktail rye slices on a large baking sheet.
8. Bake until golden brown, about 8 minutes.
9. Cool.
10. Spread 1 teaspoon artichoke puree on each rye bread slice (save remaining puree for another use).
11. Top with arugula leaf.
12. Take one slice of beef and roll up and place on arugula leaf.
13. Trim beef to fit as necessary.
14. Garnish with shaved Parmesan.

Reviews

[DDW]

This is a great appetizer if you are looking for something out of the ordinary. I made everything "as is" but went with the original recipe and grilled two tenderloin steaks for the beef instead of the deli meat. YUM! The flavors went together really well and I loved the crunch of the arugula leaves. I must have been"heavy" on the artichoke spread because it only made about 24-28 toasts and used all of the spread. We took it to a small wine tasting party and it was very well received and I was asked for the recipe. It's going in my keeper book.