1 tablespoon water, or enough to make a thin paste
Place in the top of a double boiler or in a large stainless-steel bowl set up as a double boiler:
3 large egg yolks
1 1/2 tablespoons cold water
Off the heat, whisk the egg mixture until it becomes light and frothy. Place the top of the double boiler or the bowl overΓÇönot inΓÇöbarely simmering water and continue to whisk until the eggs are thickened, 2 to 4 minutes, being careful not to let the eggs get too hot. Remove the pan or bowl from over the water and whisk to slightly cool the mixture. Whisking constantly, very slowly add:
1/2 cup warm (not hot) clarified butter
Whisk in the spice mixture along with:
1 to 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice or lime juice, or to taste
Dash of hot red pepper sauce (optional)
Salt and ground white pepper to taste
If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a few drops of warm water. Serve immediately or keep the sauce warm for up to 30 minutes by placing the bowl in warm (not hot) water.