Ingredients

makes 1 cup

　　2 shallots, diced fine

　　1/4 cup white wine vinegar

　　1/2 cup dry white wine

　　A few black peppercorns

　　A pinch of salt

　　14 tablespoons (1 3/4 sticks) butter, cut into small pieces

　　

Step 1

Bring to a boil in a small heavy-bottomed pot: 2 shallots, diced fine, 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, 1/2 cup dry white wine, A few black peppercorns, A pinch of salt.

　　

Step 2

Cook until the liquid is almost completely gone (as the liquid gets low, reduce the heat). Remove from the heat when the shallots are still moist but not floating in liquid. (This step can be done far in advance.) Put the pan over a very low heat. Bit by bit, whisk in: 14 tablespoons (1 3/4 sticks) butter, cut into small pieces.

　　

Step 3

Wait until each addition is mostly melted and incorporated before adding more. Monitor the heat; the sauce should be warm while the butter is being added but not hot or the sauce will separate. Oddly enough it will also separate if the sauce gets too cool while the butter is being added. Once all the butter has been incorporated, taste for salt and add more as needed. Thin with a splash of fresh wine, some broth, or even water; the added liquid helps keep the sauce from breaking or separating and makes it lighter. Strain if desired. Serve immediately or keep warm in a double boiler over warm, but not hot, water, or in a warmed thermos.

　　

Variations

Step 4

Flavor the sauce with chopped herbs, capers, or nasturtiums.

　　

Step 5

Add whole spices, such as coriander or fennel seeds, along with the peppercorns.

　　

Step 6

A simpler sauce can be made by putting 3 table spoons wine, lemon juice, or even water in a pan, bringing to a boil, and swirling or whisking in 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, cut into small pieces, and a pinch of salt.

　　The Art of Simple Food