This meal contains 570 calories per serving with 26 percent of calories from fat.

Wine suggestion: Hearty steak with powerful balsamic vinegar - this is an occasion for a powerful Italian barolo. And invite me over.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Any type of quick-cooking steak can be used.

• Already-chopped fresh onion and tomato are available in the produce section of many supermarkets.

• Dried linguine, cooked according to package instructions, can be substituted.

• Use a forked pasta spoon or tongs to toss the pasta,

COUNTDOWN

• Place water for linguine on to boil.

• Prepare ingredients.

• Make steak.

• Make linguine.

SHOPPING LIST

To buy: Olive oil spray, ¾ pound skirt steak, 1 bottle balsamic vinegar, 1 container chopped onion, 1 medium tomato, 1 small bunch fresh basil, 1 small package fresh linguine (4 ounces needed).

Staples: Olive oil, salt, black peppercorns.

BALSAMIC-GLAZED STEAK

¾ pound skirt steak

Olive oil spray

2 tablespoons chopped onion

⅓ cup balsamic vinegar

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Remove fat from meat. Spray a medium-size nonstick skillet with olive oil and heat over medium-high. Saute steak 3 minutes per side if thin, 4 minutes per side if thicker. Remove to cutting board. Add the onion and vinegar to the skillet. Cook to a glaze, 3 to 4 minutes. Meanwhile, slice the steak on a diagonal against the grain. Divide it between 2 plates and spoon the glaze on top. Makes 2 servings.

Per serving: 246 calories (31 percent from fat), 8.5 g fat (3 g saturated, 3.4 g monounsaturated), 102 mg cholesterol, 36.2 g protein, 4.6 g carbohydrates, 0.1 g fiber, 96 mg sodium.

BASIL LINGUINE

4 ounces fresh linguine

1 medium tomato, diced(about 1 cup)

1 loosely packed cup fresh basil, torn into bite-size pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook 2 minutes. Drain and place in a bowl. Add tomato, basil and olive oil. Toss well. Season to taste with salt and pepper and toss again. Makes 2 servings.