CLASSIC FRENCH BEARNAISE SAUCE

Classic French Bearnaise Sauce image

Provided by Geoffrey Zakarian

Time 35m

Yield 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 tablespoon black peppercorns
5 sprigs fresh tarragon, 2 whole, 3 chopped
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
3 shallots, finely minced
4 large egg yolks
1/2 lemon, juiced
2 sticks (1 cup) butter, clarified (see Cook's Note) and kept warm over low heat
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Tie the peppercorns and 2 tarragon sprigs in cheesecloth and secure with butcher's twine to make a sachet. In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, shallots and sachet and simmer over low heat until the liquid is evaporated, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool; discard the sachet.
In a medium bowl set over a double boiler, whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice. Heat, whisking constantly, until the yolks are pale and slightly thickened. Slowly ladle in the clarified butter, whisking constantly, until the sauce is emulsified. If sauce looks like it is getting too thick, add water by the tablespoon until you reach the desired consistency. Remove from the heat and add the chopped tarragon and 1 tablespoon of the shallots. Season with salt and pepper.