VANILLA BUTTER SAUCE

2 shallots, minced
1 Tahitian vanilla bean, split lengthwise
2 cups dry white wine
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
4 ounces cold butter (8 tablespoons, or 1 cube)
salt and pepper to taste

Place the shallots in a saucepan with the vanilla bean, wine and vinegar. Bring to a boil and reduce mixture until 1/4 cup of liquid is left.

Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and bring mixture back to a boil. Add the butter, cut into pieces, and mix with a whisk until mixture thickens. Remove from heat.

Remove vanilla bean and scrape the seeds into the mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Source: Chef Valery Malijenovsky
Executive Chef, Le Meridien, Tahiti