BEEF WELLINGTON

1.5 kg (3 lb) fillet of beef
1 tbsp vegetable oil
40g (1 1/2 oz) butter, divided
225g (8 oz) button mushrooms, sliced
175g (6 oz) smooth liver pate
375g (13 oz) puff pastry
1 egg, beaten

Pre-heat oven to 220C, 425F, Gas 7

Trim and tie up the beef at intervals with fine string so it retains its shape.

Heat the oil and 15g (1/2 oz) of the butter in a large frying pan, add the beef and seal and lightly colour on all sides.

Roast in oven for 20 minutes, allow the beef to cool then remove the string.

Fry the sliced mushrooms in the remaining butter until soft, allow to cool and mix with the pate.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry into a large rectangle to a thickness of 0.5 cm (1/4-inch). Cut leaf shapes from the pastry trimmings.

Spread the pate and mushroom mixture along the centre of the pastry. Place the meat on top in the centre.

Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg. Fold the pastry edges over and turn over so that the join is underneath, folding the ends under the meat. Place on a baking sheet. Decorate with leaves cut from the pastry trimmings, brush with the remaining egg.

Bake for 50-60 minutes, covering with foil after 25 minutes. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Servings: 8