"Neutralque"

Directions

1. 1
   Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
2. 2
   Bring to a boil.
3. 3
   Cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes, covered.
4. 4
   Carefully remove the lid, and blend with an immersion blender (or put the mixture into a blender with the center lid removed; cover opening with a towel). Puree until as smooth or as chunky as you like. This formula is a building block, and it's time to play.
5. 5
   Add a splash or two of water if needed.
6. 6
   Return the mixture to the pan, and, over low heat, simmer until the sauce is the texture you desire. Again, you can reduce tightly to a syrupy consistency, or not at all. It can take as long as an hour if you prefer sticky-sweet-syrupy sauces.
7. 7
   Now, look at the sauces chart, look in your cupboard and your fridge, and start playing with herbs, spices, spirits, condiments, what have you.