Artemisia dracunculus

Delicate flavor with minimal effort. Early Spring eggs prepared in the kitchen with finely chopped sweet anise flavored just cut tarragon. Tarragon probably originated in Western Asia. For salads or soups especially as topping. Tarragon is an essential ingredient in Bearnaise sauce. A great sauce for steak or over poached eggs or roasted fish. It is particularly good with shellfish, chicken, turkey, and fish. French Tarragon plants grow up to 24" and 12" wide in 2 years.

Yield: Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients
1 tablespoon plus 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" cubes
3 tablespoons minced shallots
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons Champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
2 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon (or more) fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon


Preparation
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and a pinch of salt and pepper; stir to coat. Stir in vinegar, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until vinegar is evaporated, 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking shallots, stirring frequently, until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes longer. Transfer shallot reduction to a small bowl and let cool completely.
Meanwhile, fill a blender with hot water to warm it; set aside. Melt remaining 1 cup butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until butter is foamy. Transfer butter to a measuring cup.
Drain blender and dry well. Combine egg yolks, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon water in warm, dry blender. Purée mixture until smooth. Remove lid insert. With blender running, slowly pour in hot butter in a thin stream of droplets, discarding milk solids at bottom of measuring cup. Continue blending until a smooth, creamy sauce forms, 2-3 minutes. Pour sauce into a medium bowl. Stir in shallot reduction and tarragon and season to taste with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 hour ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature.

Recipe curtsy of;
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/bearnaise-sauce-395049