Cooking Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is French, of course, with filet meaning "thick slice" and mignon meaning "dainty." Filet mignon comes from the small end of the tenderloin (called the short loin) which is found on the back rib cage of the animal. This area of the animal is not weight-bearing, thus the connective tissue is not toughened by exercise resulting in extremely tender meat. This also means that the meat lacks some of the flavor held by meat that has the bone attached. In order keep the flavor, you must cook filet mignon quickly. This can be done a variety of ways, including broiling and grilling.
It should never be cooked beyond medium rare, because the more done it is, the less tender and more dry it becomes and the more flavor it will lose. You should always use a dry method of Cooking, even when it will be a quick method. Methods of Cooking that are dry are such types as roasting, pan frying, grilling, broiling, etc. Since this cut of meat is more dry than others, you will not want to cut the meat to check to see if it is done. Instead, you should touch it. The touch-method of checking is not as hard as it may sound:

1. If the meat feels hard or firm, it is too done.

2. When the filet mignon is soft when you touch it and your finger leaves an imprint, it is rare.

3. If it is still soft, but leaves no imprint, and is slightly resilient, then it is medium rare (best for this particular type of meat).

The reason filet mignon is often wrapped in bacon (this wrapping is called barding) is because this particular cut of meat has no layer of fat around it. The bacon not only adds extra flavor to the filet mignon, it also gives it the fat necessary to keep the meat from drying out. This is a concern since the strips are so small in filet mignon and they have less fat than most cuts of beef.

What to serve with Filet Mignon

Since the flavor of filet mignon tends to be quite mild, many people prefer to serve it with sauces, either smothering the beef or as a dip. There are many different choices for the best sauce for filet mignon and most depend solely on the person's particular flavor preference. Some consumers prefer to have a certain type of steak sauce for dipping and some may prefer a marinade to add flavor during Cooking. Either of these can turn out well.

Wines & Filet Mignon

There are many different types of wines that are good to serve with filet mignon, and determining which one will go best with it depends largely on the flavor of the sauce. This is especially true if the sauce is rather strong, or has a flavor that is stronger than the filet mignon itself. The best wines to match with filet mignon are dry, red wines such as Merlot. If your preference is a sweet wine, you may want to consider trying a White Zinfandel (if this is your choice, though, you will not want to use very much pepper on the filet mignon). If you are a white wine drinker, the best match for filet mignon will be a rich Chardonnay.

Tips for Cooking Filet Mignon

-When selecting tenderloin or slices, choose the lighter color over dark red. This indicates more marbling which makes it more tender. This cut is so tender that it should never be cooked beyond a medium-rare sTAGe. The longer you cook it, the less tender and more dry it becomes.

-Use a dry, high heat method such as broiling, roasting, pan-frying or grilling for this tender cut.

-Whole tenderloin is wonderful to stuff or bake en croute (in savory pastry).

-Cutting into the meat to check doneness lets precious juice escape. Use the touch method. Press the meat. If it feels soft and mushy and leaves an imprint, it is rare. -If it is soft, but slightly resilient, it is medium-rare. The minute it begins to feel firm, it is overdone.

-Since the tenderloin has no surrounding fat tissue, it is often wrapped in a layer of fat (called barding) such as suet or bacon to keep it from drying out. Likewise with filet slices. The barding also adds flavor.

-Cubed tenderloin is a popular choice for fondue hot-pots and shish-kebabs.

-To ensure even cooking when roasting the whole tenderloin, the small end should be tucked up and tied or trimmed for other use.

griddler gourmet

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Diesel Generators - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

When an emergency strikes, your safety may depend on a reliable generator to kick in and save the day. Is a diesel generator the best type to use? There are many sizes and functions to a good diesel generator. Selecting the correct one for your needs will mean weighing up a few Pros and Cons.

Here are a few points to consider!

Good life expectancy A liquid cooled diesel generator will last longer than a gas powered generator. A correctly serviced generator should give you up to 20,000 hours of service compared to around 6000 hours for a gas powered unit.

Diesel Fuel is less expensive Prices will obviously vary depending on your location. Generally, the cost of diesel will be lower compared with other fuel types over the long haul. Most generator sets are designed for off-road use and are capable of running with the use of 'construction grade' diesel which is usually a more cost effective fuel.

Cold temperature tolerant Diesel fuel can easily operate in arctic level temperatures with the use of fuel additives.

Diesel fuel is safer Due to its low flash point it is difficult to set diesel fuel alight. The risk of fire or explosion is greatly reduced.

Marathon runner Diesel generators are designed and work best under load over long periods of time.

Readily available in emergencies Most, if not all emergency vehicles, trucks and equipMent operate with diesel. This will mean a Supply of fuel will more likely be available just when you need it most.

Efficient Consumption In the long run they will outpace an alternate fuel source generator such as gas.

On the down side you will need to take into account the following:

Noise In comparison to alternate powered generators a diesel generator will usually be noisier. Depending on the size and location of your preferred generator you may need to check and clarify local regulations before installing and using a large unit.

Pollution Diesel isn't a 100% clean emission fuel. Exhaust extraction will need to be assessed appropriate to the type and location of the generator. Local regulations will also apply here.

Weight They are heavier than their counterpart gaseous operated generators.

Moisture averse Diesel fuel doesn't like moisture. Running a generator with unclean fuel will cause maintenance challenges.

Selecting an appropriate generator is greatly influenced by its end purpose. Ultimately a diesel generator for long haul, emergency situations will be the best choice.

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What Are Automatic Transfer Switches?

Automatic transfer switches are a critical component of any emergency or standby power system.  When the normal or preferred source of power is lost, it quickly and safely shifts the load circuit from the normal source of power to the emergency or alternate source of power. Because of this, it permits critical loads to continue running with minimal or no ouTAGe.  It also has a re-transfer process that returns the load circuit to the normal power source, when the normal power source has been restored.
 
It has three basic components. One, it has a power switching device to shift the load circuits to and from the power source. Two, it also has a transfer logic controller that monitors the condition of the power sources and provides the control signals to the power switching device. The third component of automatic transfer switches is the control power source, which Supply operational power to the controller and switching device.
 
What makes this power-switching device different from the manual type of power switching device? With a manual model, you will need to start your generator and connect it to the power-switching device during power ouTAGe. Then you will need to switch your house over to generator power. When the utility power is restored, you will need to switch your house back to utility power, and turn off your generator. 
 
However, with the automatic transfer switches, everything is fully automatic. Thus, when the utility power goes out, it will signal your generator to start. Once the generator is running, it automatically connects your home or business to the generator. When the utility power is restored, it will then reconnect your home or business to the utility. Then it turns off your generator and waits patiently for the next power ouTAGe. 
 
In buying these devices, you need to remember that when you want to run your enTire house in case of a power ouTAGe, and you have a large enough generator, you will need a device that is the same rating as your main breaker panel. For a home, this will normally be either 100 or more likely 200 amps. The power-switching device should be installed between your main breaker, which is normally found at the Meter, and your main electrical panel. Some homes have a 400 amp service utilizing two distribution panels, in which case you will need two 200 amp or one 400 amp automatic transfer switch. 
 
However, if you want to run only a certain loads during a power outage, you can install a sub panel off your main panel and use a 100-amp power-switching device.  This is a great idea if you do not have a generator big enough to run everything.  
 
Automatic transfer switches are usually designed for use with a permanently installed standby generator. And they can come with a built in load center that saves space and makes installation easy.  It is a device that comes in handy for companies and household that has a generator. 

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