Reimagining the classic mignonette sauce, Joshua Pinsky of Penny in New York City presents a delightfully fresh celery-infused variation. The secret behind the captivating essence of this sauce lies in the infusion process: vinegar and layout celery leaves get combined and are left for a week. The result? A crisper texture and an added depth of flavor provided by the diced celery and shallots. The creamy and salty taste of the oysters marries perfectly with this tangy, celery-laden mignonette, delivering a mouthwatering gastronomic experience.

Possibly the sauce could boast even more finesse with some shrewd additions. Consider enhancing the celery-infused vinegar with herbs, spices, lemon peels, or even a spicy jab-like jalapeño. For a sweet, unexpected high note, finely diced apples could be stirred into the finished sauce.

Traditionally, the mignonette sauce is a combo of chopped shallots and whole black peppercorns soaked in vinegar. It serves as the perfect accompaniment to oysters according to master chef Theophile Kieffer, who first developed the sauce in the 1930s for guests at the Sherry Netherland Hotel in New York. Swiftly, the sauce caught on as a hit and became such a rage that it's now enjoyed not only with oysters but also with other seafoods like shrimp and clams.

Celery stays bright green and crunchy when added to the finished sauce just before serving. The celery-infused vinegar concoction and the mignonette sauce can be prepared in advance, securely kept in an airtight container, and refrigerated for two to three days. You can find Keepwell Vinegar’s celery vinegar online at keepwellvinegar.com for convenience.

The preparation involves placing finely chopped celery in a 1-pint jar, filling it up with vinegar, and preserving it in the refrigerator for one week. After that, strain the mixture, dispose of the celery, and combine celery vinegar, celery, and minced shallot in a bowl. Cover it, chill in the refrigerator until flavors are well merged - about an hour - and serve it chilled. Go ahead and create a memorable culinary delight with this inspired variation of the classic mignonette sauce.