1 1/4 pound boneless round steak, fat trimmed and pounded a 1/4-inch thick
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Canola oil
1/2 pound slab bacon, cut into lardons
2 heaping tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk, heated
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Finely chopped fresh thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Fresh thyme sprigs