dinner: Beef Tenderloin with Balsamic Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients

1⁄2 whole beef tenderloin roast (about 4 to 5 pounds)
1 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
1⁄2 tablespoon pepper
1 tablespoon cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
1⁄2 can (16 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
tiny pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 425F. Combine thyme and pepper; reserve 1 teaspoon seasoning mixture for sauce. Press remaining seasoning mixture evenly onto all surfaces of beef roast.
2. Place roast on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is centered in thickest part of beef. Do not add water or cover. Roast in 425F oven 50 to 60 minutes for medium rare; 60 to 70 minutes for medium doneness.
3. Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 135F for medium rare; 150F for medium. Transfer roast to carving board; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10F to reach 145F for medium rare; 160F for medium.)
4. Meanwhile prepare sauce. Combine vinegar and shallots in small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 3 minutes. Stir in cranberry sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 6 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in reserved seasoning and salt.
5. Carve roast into slices; serve with sauce.