Steak with Marinated Mushroom and Asparagus Medley

Man, oh, MAN - does this ever sound good to me!!!
(serves 4)

1 lb. pencil-thin* asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1&1/2" pieces
3 T. plus 2 t. EVOO, divided
3/4 lb. assorted mushrooms, sliced
2 T. balsamic vinegar
2 t. Ponzu Citrus Sauce* or low sodium soy sauce
1 t. lemon zest, plus 3 T. fresh lemon juice
5 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives
1/3 cup plus 1 T. fresh lemon* thyme or regular thyme leaves, divided
1&1/4 t. freshly* ground black pepper, divided
2 lb. top sirloin steak (3/4") thick
1&1/2 t. garlic powder (I would use Johnny's Garlic Seasoning*)
1/2 t. kosher* salt
2 T. shaved* Parmesan cheese

Position oven rack 2-3" below heat element. Preheat oven to broil. Bring a med. pot of water to a boil. Add asparagus and cook for 3 mins. Meanwhile, fill a large bowl with ice and water. Drain asparagus and immediately plunge into ice water; set aside to cool. In a large heavy skillet, heat 2 t. oil on med. Add mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 mins. Set aside. To prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk 3 T. oil, vinegar, soy sauce, lemon zest, and juice. Set aside 2 T. dressing for another use; refrigerate. Drain ice water from bowl with asparagus. Using the same bowl, combine asparagus, cooked mushrooms, garlic, and olives. Add remaining dressing, 1/3 cup thyme, and 1/2 t. pepper; toss to coat. Cover bowl and transfer to refrigerator to marinate. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with foil and top with a metal rack. Place steak on rack. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, remaining 3/4 t. pepper and salt: rub over all sides of steak. Broil (or grill*) steak for about 10 mins. turning once. Sprinkle with remaining 1 t. thyme. To serve, cut steak into 4 oz. portion strips and place on serving plates. Divide marinated veggies among plates. Sprinkle cheese over veggies.

"You are planting seeds when you talk, and at some point you're going to eat that fruit. Make sure you are planting the right kind of seeds."

Have fun on this soggy Saturday!!!

Love,

MM