Desperate Diane

4 ounces fat-free egg noodles (see note)

1 tablespoon butter, divided use

8 ounces sirloin steak for stir-fry (see note)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic

8 ounces sliced button mushrooms, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup brandy, optional

11/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1/4 cup beef broth or stock

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions

1/4 cup half-and-half or cream

1 teaspoon minced parsley leaves, optional garnish

Cook the egg noodles in boiling water according to package directions.

Meanwhile, melt half the butter in a large skillet (do not use nonstick if you plan on flaming the brandy) over medium heat. Add the beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning the beef until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the beef to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Melt the rest of the butter and add the garlic and mushrooms. Stir and cook until the mushrooms are tender and release their liquid, about 3 minutes.

If using the brandy, tilt the pan and pour the brandy into the edge of the skillet. (For electric stovetops, light with a match. For gas stoves, turn the flame to high and ignite the brandy.) Swirl the flaming brandy in and around the mushrooms until the flame goes out. Return to the burner and reduce heat to medium-low. Add the Dijon mustard, broth, Worcestershire sauce and scallions. Add the half-and-half and stir and cook for another minute to thicken and combine flavors. Remove from the heat.

Serve immediately over cooked egg noodles, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.

Serves two.

Cook's notes: Fat-free egg noodles are sometimes called yolk-free or no-yolk noodles.

If you can't find steak cut for stir-fry at your butcher, choose a lean, tender steak, about 1-inch thick, and slice it into strips. Cut any strips longer than 3 inches in half. Proceed with recipe.

This recipe is doubled easily, just be sure to cook the beef separately from the mushrooms or it will not brown sufficiently.

@Recipe nutrition:Nutrition values per serving: 536 calories (27 percent from fat), 16 g fat (8 g saturated), 50 g carbohydrates, 5 g fiber, 38 g protein, 97 mg cholesterol, 653 mg sodium.