Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, place the shallot, half of the minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and blackberries.
  2. Over high heat, reduce the liquid in the mixture to approximately 1 tablespoon, stirring, careful to not let it scorch or burn.
  3. Add the white wine and let it reduce again to approx 1 tablespoon of liquid.
  4. Add the port and reduce for until the mixture is syrupy (about 2-3 minutes).
  5. Lower heat to medium and gradually whisk in the butter (all but 3 Tbsp), a bit at a time, whisking continuously.
  6. To keep the butter from separating, the sauce must be kept warm but not hot.
  7. Remove the blackberry butter from the heat as the last of the butter is whisked in and immediately strain it into a small ceramic bowl.
  8. Season with salt to taste and divide into two portions; keep in warm place until ready to use.
  9. Melt the remaining 3 Tbsp butter in medium skillet; add the remaining minced garlic and sauté 2 to 3 minutes.
  10. Season the salmon with salt and pepper to taste, then over medium-high heat sauté the salmon for 3 to 4 minutes per side; remove fillets to plate (salmon won't be completely cooked).
  11. Return one portion of the blackberry butter to the skillet and re-heat over medium-high heat.
  12. Return salmon to skillet, cover, and cook an additional 2-3 minutes per side (carefully turning to keep fillets from breaking apart) or until cooked through.
  13. Garnish fillets with chopped chives and serve with remaining portion of blackberry butter (re-heat for 45 seconds in microwave) in a small serving container on the table.
  14. Serve with good, crusty bread, pilaf, and sugar snap peas or other veggie.