Holiday Beef Tenderloin

They key to a great holiday party is a relaxed host. And that is easier than it sounds. All it takes is a little planning.

When I entertain, I make sure that all the food can be prepared and served or set out on a buffet with very little effort. At the very most, I include only one menu item that has to be cooked just before serving. For that reason, I find beef tenderloin to be my entertaining slam dunk!

It also is economical because you can slice it thin and get 20 to 25 portions out of a single tenderloin. If you like, you can splurge and buy prime tenderloin. Or if you plan in advance you can employ my trick and "wet age" it yourself in the refrigerator, resulting in a tenderloin with great depth of flavor.

Recipe included:  Feed a crowd simply, cheaply with beef tenderloin

By Elizabeth Karmel

Associated Press