Mignonette Sauce

This simple recipe gives you a classic mignonette sauce for oysters, clams or other seafood, but you can play with the basic formula by changing the vinegar (try cider, malt, sherry, champagne), swapping the allium (try leeks, scallions or red onion), adding a squeeze of citrus juice or stirring in some fresh herbs like tarragon or mint. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes before serving, so the flavors can blend and the sauce can be at its tangy, peppery best.

Ingredients

• 0.25 cup finely minced shallots (from 1 to 2 shallots)
• 0.3333333333333333 cup red-wine or white-wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black or white peppercorns
• Pinch of sea salt

Steps

1. Mix together all the ingredients in a small bowl or jar until well blended. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before using. Mignonette will keep in the fridge for up to one month.