That one time you don't want a super sharp knife

Mignonette Sauce for Oysters Recipe

Make the mignonette at least 4 hours ahead of time, preferably a day or two, which allows for the flavors to blend, and the shallots to mellow.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Marinating time: 4 hours
• Yield: Makes about a cup and a half, easily enough for several dozens of oysters.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup minced shallots (about 2 1/2 ounces)
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup clear, unseasoned rice vinegar*
• 1/8 teaspoon of sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon of salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoon of finely crushed white peppercorns (do not use pre-ground or powdered white pepper)

*If using seasoned rice vinegar, omit the sugar and salt Finely mince the shallots: Peel and coarsely chop the shallots. Put them into a food processor and pulse a few times, until the shallots are finely minced, but not mush, with pieces no smaller than the tip of a match. Stir in white vinegar, rice vinegar, sugar, salt: Place the minced shallots and any liquid released from them in a non-reactive (glass or pyrex) bowl. Add the white vinegar, rice vinegar, and sugar and salt. Stir with a fork. Add the freshly crushed white pepper. Stir with a fork. Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of four hours. For best results, store for at least 2 days before using. The mignonette flavor will be better blended the longer it sits. You may notice that the crushed white peppercorns may sink to the bottom of the bowl as the mignonette rests. If you see this, just give it a little stir.