Daisy got her chubby thighs from me, not Shawn.
They look so adorable on her. Not me.
Along with her chubby thighs, I gave Daisy her curly locks, taste for shoes, and need for speed. You’ll often catching me, wide-eyed, finger shaking, pontificating how she really must be more patient. Good word that one, pontificate. It carries such a grandiose tone. But, back to what I was saying… Most parents have good intentions and want to help their kids become model citizens. Generous, responsible, patient, conscientious, kind, patient.
But, genes are stronger. Daisy is famously inpatient. She’ll just keep repeating her demand like a broken record while watching you scramble to fulfill it. Funny, how we see our own flaws in our children. I’d like to think I was worse than her when I was little and that the years have slowed me down somewhat.
The difference is that you won’t find me crying real tears, shrieking, dramatically throwing my head back against the chair, then crying louder because now I’m also in physical pain so agonizing that I neglect to notice Mommy put that slice of bread into my hand ages ago. It really helps if that bread is dipped into Béarnaise. This one is a classic French steak sauce. My sister and I used to make it and eat it just with bread. It’s that good.
Fragrant and creamy, with layers of delicate butter, lemon and tarragon, the traditional recipe is typically quite rich and a bit of a chore to make. With some testing, I found the egg yolks can be left out and the prep-time cut to about 5-10 minutes. Fresh shallots and tarragon are best, but the dried versions hydrate very nicely. Our resident French chef (aka Dad) demonstrates our elegantly simple it is to make this rich, luscious concoction.
Quick + Light Béarnaise Sauce
Makes 1 cup, serves 4
Ingredients
1 Tb butter
1 heaping Tb flour
1 small shallot bulb or about 5-6 slices of dried shallots
1 tsp peppercorns
1 Tb fresh tarragon or 1 tsp dried tarragon
Juice + zest of 1/2 lemon
1 cup milk
Salt + pepper to taste
Instructions
If you’re using dried shallots, grind them along with the peppercorns in a coffee grinder that you keep specifically for herbs and spices. Do not use a grinder that you use for coffee beans.
If you don’t have a grinder, carefully chop the dried shallots to very small bits or bash them with the peppercorns in a mortar & pestle.
If you have fresh tarragon and shallots, chop both and set aside.
Mash a dab of butter with a tablespoon of flour and toast in a small sauce pan.
This is the roux.
When the roux becomes fragrant and nutty,
add the the shallots, pepper, tarragon, lemon juice and zest.
After a smooth paste forms, start adding the milk, a bit at a time, stirring
until it is absorbed.
The consistency is a matter of preference. The sauce should be thick, but
flow nicely.
Finish with salt to taste.
Gently spoon over steak & serve with a crisp salad, fingerling potatoes and crunchy French baguette.
Voila! Bon appetit!
It is very French to draw happiness from simplicity, like a humble piece of bread dipped into sauce.
vanillasugarblog says
béarnaise sauce is my total weakness.
I could drink it, I truly could.
a nice filet, béarnaise sauce, and thin crispy fries are the perfect meal.
Colette Just for Foodies says
Make that two, please!
Guru Uru says
Haha like mother like daughter – too cute 😉
This sauce looks absolutely beautiful, the ingredients are delicious!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Audra says
I love bernaise sauce- thanks for a quick version- perfect for weeknight dinners!
Colette Just for Foodies says
If you've never tasted it, Chippy, you've got to make it!
Colette Just for Foodies says
Exactly! We often grill steaks and have them w this one.
Makes Ordinary Tuesday very, very extraordinary.
Andrea_TheKitchenLioness says
Colette, what a terrific lighter version of the famous French Sauce Béarnaise – you certainly also posted a cute picture of your lovely daughter as well! And she seems to be practicing her cooking skills already – as GU pointed out before me, like mother,like daughter!
Have a great Thursday!
Amy says
I agree…it's amazing how our gene carry over to the next generation. 🙂 My boy looks and act exactly like daddy while my girl is a replica of me! It's just amazing!
Your Quick & Light Béarnaise Steak Sauce looks wonderful. I love this creamy and flavorful steak sauce. Can't wait to try it.
Colette Just for Foodies says
Hi, Amy.
Thanks for stopping by – now I've found you. Love your blog.
Hope you try my recipe.
Cheers!
Cocoa and Lavender says
I am so grateful for you coming up with this version of my favorite sauce! I can't wait to try it and will be grilling steaks this weekend just so I can!
Colette Just for Foodies says
Thanks, Andrea. Hope you give it a go and tell me what you think.
Colette Just for Foodies says
David, it's my fav, too!
Took some serious testing, but I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Kim Bee says
I want Daisy's skirt. I mean look at that thing. It's adorbs.
Love the sauce. It's not something I've made at home much so I'm happy to find a great recipe for it.
Colette Just for Foodies says
I'll order one for ya, Kimmy. 😉