Special Dinner Menu: Beef Tenderloin

Beef tenderloin is one of the most expensive cuts at the butcher's counter. But there are reasons for this price tag; there is absolutely no waste, and the meat is incredibly tender and flavorful. It's also very simple to make; just rub with olive oil and some seasonings, insert a meat thermometer, and roast! This special dinner menu featuring beef tenderloin is nothing short of spectacular.

Potatoes naturally go with beef. And these potatoes are incredibly delicious. Plus they cook in your crockpot! Since your oven needs to be free for roasting the beef, using the slow cooker for a side dish is very practical.

With such a rich entree and side dish, a fresh, crisp green salad is perfect. Crisp greens are sprinkled with beautiful, jewel-like pomegranate seeds and drizzled with a poppy seed dressing. And some simple yet dressed-up green beans round out the menu, along with glazed honey yeast rolls.

For dessert, thanks to Cindy, I've found the perfect pecan pie recipe. For years my pecan pies never turned out quite right; the filling was just too liquid. So Cindy's emails prompted me to search for the best recipe; and that's where I learned about a method for partially cooking the filling before it goes into the pie crust. My version is heavier on the brown sugar, since I think that's what makes pecan pie so delicious. Please note that this pie is best eaten within 12 hours, so make it the morning of your dinner party.

Use your best china and crystal for this elegant dinner; light candles, pour some slightly chilled red wine, and enjoy.

Special Dinner Menu: Beef Tenderloin

• Roast Beef Tenderloin
  This meat is succulent and tender all by itself; if you like, serve a bit of horseradish on the side.
• Crockpot Garlic Smashed Potatoes
  These potatoes can be held for 2 hours on low in your slow cooker; just stir every half hour or so. They are creamy, flavorful, and tender; the perfect complement to the meat.
• Honey Rolls
  These super easy yeast rolls are actually batter bread, so you don't knead the dough. They are just dropped into a pan and drizzled with a wonderful glaze. Yum.
• Special Green Beans
  You can use all green or all yellow wax beans if you like, but the color combination of the two different beans is beautiful. This easy side dish cooks on your stovetop.
• The Best Pecan Pie
  The instructions for making this pie (baking at a low temp and heating both the crust and filling) should be followed carefully, and you too will serve the best pecan pie ever.