Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
  • 8 leaves fresh basil, coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 cup white-wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste if desired
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste

Method

  • Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan, and add shallots.
  • Cook briefly, and add basil and vinegar.
  • Bring to a boil, and cook until reduced to 2 tablespoons.
  • Add cream, and bring to a rapid boil.
  • Cook this until reduced to 1/3 cup.
  • Remove the sauce from the heat, and immediately add the remaining 4 tablepoons of butter, salt and pepper, stirring rapidly with a wire whisk.