Beef Tenderloin with Shiitake Mushroom Sauce

4 4-oz beef tenderloin steaks, trimmed, 1" thick

1/2 t salt - divided

1/4 t pepper - divided

cooking spray

2 t butter

2 cloves minced garlic

4 c thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps (about 8 oz)

1/2 t chopped thyme

2 T balsamic vinegar

1 T water

1 t soy sauce

1 T fresh thyme leaves

Sprinkle steaks with 1/2 the salt and pepper and saute in sauce pan (sprayed with cooking spray). 3 minutes each side or till they're done like you like. When done, put on plate to the side.

Heat pan over medium-high heat. Add butter, when melted and foam has subsided (15 seconds) add garlic. Give it about 30 seconds and add mushrooms, thyme and the other half of salt and pepper. Saute for 3 minutes. Add vinegar, water, soy sauce. Cook about a minute till most liquid has evaporated. Spoon over steaks and sprinkle with thyme leaves.

This recipe is VERY easy, quick. The steaks are a little expensive, but given the portion size, we got it for about $5 each. We served it with Joe's garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus and salad. Gourmet!