ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Best-selling author Sandra Byrd enjoys a successful career writing adult, teen, and children’s books, including the Friends for a Season, Secret Sisters series and the French Twist series, including the first Lexi Stuart novel, Let them Eat Cake. She is also a regular contributor to newspapers and magazines. Sandra lives in Washington state with her husband and two children.

Here’s a recipe that I developed and put in Let Them Eat Cake, the partner book to Bon Appetit.  Even though I’ve been married for almost 22 years I can tell you it still works!  Also, I’ve got a contest running on my website that includes a gourmet baking kit.

Blessings,
Sandra

Boyfriend Bait Beef Stroganoff

1 1/2 pounds beef tenderloin, well trimmed, meat cut bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch square)
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
2 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 cups canned beef broth
3 teaspoons cornstarch
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Over medium high heat, gently cook beef tenderloin in 2 tablespoons of butter for about 2 minutes, until just seared on all sides. You will still be able to see red. Remove from pan and set aside in a rimmed dish or baking sheet so that you collect the juices.

Return the pan to medium-high heat and cook the shallots and mushrooms in remaining butter until soft and wilted, about 5 minutes. Mix cornstarch into cold beef broth, whisk to blend. Pour into pan, and stir together with shallots and mushrooms until thickened, two or three minutes.

Add sour cream and mustard, stir to blend. Add beef and juices from dish; stir over medium heat just till warmed through. Salt to taste.

MY REVIEW:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Bon Appetit and the account of Lexi’s French adventure. I learned quite a bit I didn’t know about France, French cooking and the rigors of French pastry school. Sandra has also included several recipes, each at a pertinent place in the narrative.

Aside from the educational aspects of the book, it is a great story. Despite her lonely, discouraging first days in France and difficulties on the job and at school, Lexi soon became acclimated to her new life. In addition to a new friend and the interest of two men, she also found herself growing closer to the Lord and learning that she could lean on Him at all times.

I would recommend Bon Appetit, especially to those who love good food and travel. I personally have Let them Eat Cake on my to read list so I can catch up on Lexi’s complete story before the next installment comes out.