Old Bay Dipping Sauce

The flavors of a classic shrimp boil are combined in one dynamite melted butter dipping sauce. Serve it with grilled shrimp, clams, or crab.

• 8 oz. (1 cup) unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces
• 1 Tbs. Old Bay Seasoning
• 1 Tbs. grated shallot (about 1 large shallot)

In a small saucepan, bring 3 Tbs. water to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low. One piece at a time, whisk in the butter, waiting until each piece is completely incorporated before adding the next. Once the consistency begins to change from watery to creamy, with a pale yellow hue (after 4 or 5 pieces of butter have been whisked in), emulsification has begun. At this point, you can add 2 or 3 pieces of butter at a time, making sure they are almost fully combined before adding more.

Whisk in the Old Bay and shallot. Turn off the heat but leave the pan on the burner to let the flavors develop. Serve warm.