1 lb. med. mushrooms
1/4 c. butter
1 med. onion, minced
3 c. fresh bread crumbs
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. thyme leaves
Salt
Pastry for 4 (2 crust) pies
1 (4 lb.) beef rib eye roast
2 eggs, separated
Water
Curly endive for garnish
Preserved or fresh kumquats for garnish (opt.), I did not use

Remove stems from 10 mushrooms, set aside. Mince remaining mushrooms and the extra stems. In large 12-inch skillet over medium heat, in hot butter, cook minced mushrooms and onion 5 minutes, until all liquid is evaporated. Stir in bread crumbs, pepper, thyme and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; divide into 5 equal pieces.

Trim fat off roast; cut meat in half lengthwise; slice each half crosswise into 5 equal pieces. Dry with paper towels.

On floured surface with floured stockinette covered rolling pin, roll 1 piece pastry to 14 x 11 inches; cut 2 rectangles 6 1/2 x 10 inches; reserve scraps. Place 1/3 cup of mushroom mixture in center of pastry rectangle. Top with piece of meat.

Sprinkle meat lightly with salt; top with 1 whole mushroom. In bowl with fork, beat egg whites with 2 teaspoons water; brush pastry edges.

Fold pastry over meat and mushroom; overlap edges, press to seal; place on cookie sheet. Refrigerate while preparing remainder. Roll out pastry scraps; with sharp knife, cut into designs. Brush backs with egg white; arrange on pastry. Refrigerate.

About 35 minutes before serving: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In cup, beat egg yolks with 2 teaspoons water; brush over pastry. Bake 25 minutes for rare, 27 minutes for medium-doneness. With pancake turner, place Wellingtons on warm platter with curly endive and, if you wish, preserve kumquats. Serve immediately.

PASTRY FOR 2 CRUST PIES:

2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
3/4 c. shortening
5 to 6 tbsp. cold water

In medium bowl with fork, lightly stir together flour and salt. With pastry blender cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle in cold water using fork until pastry holds together. With hands shape in a ball and roll out on a lightly floured surface. Use the measurements in the recipe above.