Horizons Wellington
Contributed by Chef Michael Timmins representing Horizon’s Steakhouse at Island Resort & Casino in Harris, Michigan where he is the Executive Chef and has 35-years of culinary experience.
“I’m proud to cultivate season-specific menus and to elevate both our team’s skills and our guests’ experiences. This is a refined take on a timeless classic: tender beef filet encased in prosciutto, mushroom duxelles, caramelized onions—and wrapped in golden puff pastry.”
Ingredients
- 1 (6 oz) beef filet, trimmed
- 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 2–3 Tbsp mushroom duxelles (finely chopped mushrooms sautéed into a paste)
- 1 (5×5 in) puff pastry sheet
- 2 Tbsp caramelized onions, chopped
- 1 egg + 2 Tbsp water (for egg wash)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Method
Sear the Filet
- Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the filet generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear for ~4?minutes per side until browned; center remains rare.
- Remove and chill completely in cooler.
Assemble the Pastry Base
- Lay puff pastry square on a work surface.
- Arrange prosciutto in a circle matching the filet size.
- Spread caramelized onions, then mushroom duxelles atop prosciutto.
Wrap the Wellington
- Place chilled filet on filling.
- Whisk egg and water to make egg wash; brush pastry edges.
- Fold puff pastry around the filet tightly, sealing seams.
- Brush the exterior pastry with egg wash and shape as needed.
Bake
- Preheat oven to 350?°F (175?°C).
- Place Wellington seam-side down on greased baking sheet.
- Brush with more egg wash.
- Bake 7–8?min, rotate pan, then another 7–8?min until golden and pastry crisp.
- Internal temperature should reach medium-rare to medium.
- Rest for 5?min before slicing.
Serve
- Slice Wellington and plate.
- Add your sauce of choice underneath (e.g., red wine reduction, mushroom jus).
- Optional: use extra pastry to cut decorative shapes; affix with egg wash before baking.
Chef Timmins’ Tips
- Duxelles: Mushroom paste adds concentrated umami—essential for an authentic Wellington
- Prosciutto wrap: Seals in juices and keeps the pastry crisp
- Chill for precision: Resting seared filet ensures better texture and craftsmanship.
- Even bake: Rotating halfway ensures uniform browning of the pastry.
A signature dish at Horizons Steakhouse, this Wellington balances classic technique with refined execution. Best of luck in the contest!
