Sauté mushrooms in butter in a large skillet over high heat for 5 minutes or until golden brown.
Add garlic, rice, pepper and thyme, reduce heat to medium then continue cooking and stirring for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, start heating the beef consommé in a medium pan, covered. This is optional - it just speeds thing up.
Add rice and mushrooms to pan with beef consommé then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover then cook for 20 minutes or until rice is tender. Adjust the heat accordingly to maintain a gentle simmer. Using a fork, stir the bottom of the pan a few times the first 10 minutes of cooking then leave the pan covered the remaining time.
When ready to serve, fluff with a fork then garnish with chopped fresh chives if desired.
