Seared Steaks & Balsamic-Glazed Vegetables

Remove the butter from the refrigerator to soften. Fill a medium pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Medium dice the potatoes. Grate the cheese on the large side of a box grater. Cut the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Cut off and discard the stems of the peppers. Halve lengthwise; remove the ribs and seeds, then thinly slice crosswise. Roughly chop the capers.

Add the diced potatoes to the pot of boiling water. Cook 17 to 19 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. Add the sour cream, grated cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. Using a fork or potato masher, mash to your desired consistency. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, pat the steaks dry with paper towels; season on all sides with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning. In a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned steaks. Cook, turning occasionally, 6 to 10 minutes for medium-rare (125°F), or until browned and cooked to your desired degree of doneness.* Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a cutting board and let rest at least 5 minutes.

*The USDA recommends a minimum safe cooking temperature of 145°F for steak. Cook the steaks an additional 2 to 3 minutes to achieve this.
Consuming raw or undercooked meat, poultry, fish, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.

In the pan of reserved fond, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium- high until hot. Add the mushroom pieces in an even layer. Cook, without stirring, 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the sliced peppers; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the vinegar (carefully, as the liquid may splatter) and honey. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the vegetables are coated. Turn off the heat.

In a bowl, combine the chopped capers and softened butter. Using a fork, mash until thoroughly combined. Find the lines of muscle (or grain) on the rested steaks; slice crosswise against the grain. Serve the sliced steaks with the glazed vegetables and mashed potatoes. Top the steaks with the caper butter. Enjoy!