Chocolate Barbecue Beef Medaliallions

1 /2 cup balsamic vinegar
3 /4 cup +3 Tbsp.chocolate syrup
2 1 /4 cup bbQ sauce
2 lbs.beef petite tenders
1 /4 cup pure olive oil
salt and pepper,to taste
2 1 /2 oz.sour cream

1. For chocolate bbq sauce: Mix balsamic vinegar and chocolate syrup together. Add BBQ sauce and mix well. Reserve 1 1/2cups for use as a marinade. Heat remaining Chocolate BBQ Sauce over low heat. Place in warming unit until service.
2. Slice beef tenders into about 15 2-oz. medallions.
3. Mix chocolate BBQ sauce and beef together, coating the beef well. Set aside.
4. Heat saute pan over medium heat. Add olive oil, let heat.
5. Saute medallions in oil making sure to brown on both sides, add salt and pepper. Cook to required degree of doneness.
6. Place in holding unit until service.
7. Place remaining chocolate BBQ sauce in a squirt bottle, squirt about 1/2 oz of the Chocolate BBQ Sauce in circle shapes on the plate. Squirt a dot of sour cream on top of the sauce circles and "pull" the sour cream with a toothpick outward to make a design. Place medallions on top of sauce.

Recipe and photo by Alice Pollard, director, and Anne Whetstone, executive chef, central food production, nutrition services department, Miami Valley Hospital.