Preheat the oven to 220°C. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan and when it is very hot, brown the beef fillet on all sides. Remove from the pan, place on rack over a baking tray and smear over the mustard
Cook in the oven for 40 minutes for rare, 50 minutes for medium cooked. Remove from the oven and lightly cover with foil and a tea towel
Let it 'rest' for 10 - 15 minutes. This will make the beef tender and easier to carve. Over a gentle heat stir the beef stock and extra honey into the pan juices to make a light sauce
Tips & Hints
It can be useful to use a meat thermometer when cooking meat.
Pears and Parsnips
Ingredients
3 firm william's bon chretien pears
450g parsnips
1 tablespoon honey
40g butter
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1/2 cup beef stock
2 teaspoons extra honey
Method
As soon as you have put the beef in the oven to cook, prepare the pears and parsnips. Peel the pears, cut into eighths and remove the cores. Peel the parsnips and cut to the same size as the pear pieces
Melt the honey and butter in a saucepan or in the microwave and gently stir, along with the thyme, through the pears and parsnips
Line a baking tray with nonstick baking paper and spread the pear and parsnip mixture in a single layer
Add to the oven with the beef and cook for 35 minutes or until cooked and golden
When ready to serve, cut the beef into thick slices and place on warm serving plates, drizzle over a little sauce. This is good accompanied with mashed potato and green beans