Rub teaspoon salt and teaspoon thyme into each steak.

Ragout of Leeks And Fingerling Potatoes Total time: 30 minutes 1 1/2 pounds of fingerling potatoes, cut into slices 1/2-inch thick 4 medium leeks, white part only 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 cup heavy cream Coarse sea salt and freshly ground white pepper.

Whisk in the cream, milk, 1 teaspoon thyme, salt and pepper.

Sprinkle the top with the chile and remaining 1/2 teaspoon thyme.

Steamed Fava Beans With Thyme Total time: 1/2 hour 3 pounds fava beans (in their pods) 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon unsalted butter Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Roquefort and Leek Tart Time: 1 hour Pastry for an 8-inch tart shell 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 1/2 cups chopped leeks Freshly ground black pepper 6 ounces Roquefort or other blue-veined cheese, crumbled 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 3 eggs, beaten 1 1/2 cups half-and-half.

GOAT CHEESE GOUGERE 1/3 cup butter 1 cup milk 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup flour, sifted 4 large eggs 1 tablespoon heavy cream 1/2 cup goat cheese (feta or chevre) plus 4 tablespoons crumbled 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves.

Add 6 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup wine, 2 teaspoons brandy, 1/2 teaspoon vinegar, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 bay leaf and 1/4 cup broth.

Sprinkle with the remaining teaspoon thyme and serve immediately.

Toss the pearl onions with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon thyme, teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper.