Steak with Shallot-Red Wine Sauce (Bifteck Marchand de Vin)

Trim the steaks of excess fat. Pat them dry and sprinkle with the salt, pepper and thyme, pressing the seasonings into both sides.

Heat a heavy nonstick fry pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tbs. of the butter. When it has melted and is near sizzling, put the steaks in the pan and sear them, turning once, for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare; the timing will depend upon the thickness of the steaks and the desired amount of doneness. Keep the heat high, but do not let the fat burn. Test for doneness by cutting into one of the steaks. When they are ready, transfer them to a warmed platter and cover loosely with aluminum foil while you prepare the sauce.

Pour off all but 1 Tbs. of the pan juices. Set the pan over medium heat and add the shallots. Sauté until translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the wine and deglaze the pan, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom. Cook until the wine is reduced by half and the mixture has thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1 Tbs. butter.

Pour the hot sauce over the steaks, garnish with the parsley and serve immediately. Serves 2.