Marinated Mushrooms | Two Jade Bowls

Ingredients

• 1 pound button mushrooms, all about the same size, if possible
• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• juice of 1 lemon, about 1/4 cup
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 large garlic cloves, peeled and cut into thick slices
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 fresh sage leaves
• 1 bay leaf
• small pinch hot red pepper flakes, about 1/8 teaspoon
• a few black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, optional