Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Beef Filet Steaks with Basil Butter (served on grilled bread)

BACON WRAPPED BEEF FILET STEAKS WITH BASIL BUTTER

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil (plus 4 sprigs for garnish)
Salt and Freshly ground black pepper
4 slices crusty country bread, cut 3/4-inch thick, trimmed to the same size as the filet steaks
4 beef filet steaks, preferably grade prime (about 2 3/4 pounds total)
4 strips thick-cut pepper bacon, room temperature

In a bowl, thoroughly mash together the butter, basil, a pinch of salt, and a generous grinding of pepper. The basil butter can be prepared up to 3 days ahead or frozen for up to 1 month. Let it return to room temperature before using.

Light a hot fire in a charcoal grill or preheat a gas grill to medium- high. When the fire is hot, lay the bread slices on the grill, cover and toast, turning them once, until they are lightly browned on both sides, about 3 minutes total. Transfer to 4 plates.

Wrap the edges of each steak with 1 strip of bacon, securing if necessary with a toothpick. Lay the steaks on the rack. Cover and grill, turning once, until the steaks are crisp and brown and done to your liking, about 8 minutes for rare, 10 minutes for medium rare.

Set one steak atop each slice of bread. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Top each steak with one-fourth of the basil butter, garnish with a sprig of basil and serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings
Source: All on the Grill by Michael McLaughlin