• 2 beef tenderloin steaks, cut 1-1/2 inches thick (about 5 to 6 ounces each)
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach, divided
• 2 tbsp toasted sliced almonds
• 2 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup plus 2 tbsp water, divided
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup uncooked whole grain brown rice
• 1/2 tsp salt (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped dried cherries
• Toasted sliced almonds (optional)
  

1. Place 2 cups spinach, almonds, cheese and garlic in food processor container. Cover; process until coarse paste forms. With motor running, slowly add 2 tablespoons water and oil until smooth. Season with salt, as desired. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat ovenproof, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place beef steaks in skillet and brown 2 minutes. Turn steaks over and place skillet into preheated oven; cook 13 to 18 minutes for medium rare to medium doneness, turning once.
3. Meanwhile, combine rice, remaining 1 cup water and salt, if desired, in medium saucepan; cook according to package directions. Chop remaining 1 cup spinach. During last 5 minutes of cooking, add chopped spinach to pan and continue to cook. Remove from heat, add cherries and 1 tablespoon pesto to rice; stir to combine.
4. Remove steaks from oven when internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium rare; 150°F for medium doneness. Remove steaks from pan; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes. Temperature will continue to rise about 10°F to reach 145°F for medium rare; 160°F for medium doneness.
5. Serve steaks over brown rice with remaining pesto. Garnish rice with additional almonds, if desired.
   
   

Makes 2 servings.