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Pan-Seared Scallops with Sherry Cream Sauce

Simply LuxuriousSimply Luxurious
A luxurious and simple dish for one. Splurge on yourself and pick up the fresh scallops in your fish monger's display case, pair with pasta and a lovely glass of white wine and savor a day ending well.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1 person

Ingredients
  

  • 4-6 large sea scallops (4-6 ounces) remember to pat them dry with a paper towel before placing in the pan.
  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter (top quality my favorite - Isigny Ste Mère 
  • 1 Tbsp shallot minced
  • pinch celery seed
  • 3 Tbsp Amontillado, dry sherry purchase quality, but it does not have to be drinking sherry
  • 1 tsp sherry vinegar substitutes - white, champage or red wine vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp heavy cream
  • chives chopped, for garnish
  • fleur de sel & freshly ground black pepper for seasoning and to taste

Instructions
 

Pasta

  • Choose the type of pasta you would like to pair with your scallops and sauce. Depending upon how long the pasta needs to cook to reach al dente, begin heating the water before you cook the scallops and cook the pasta while you cook the scallops and make the sauce. If however, you are cooking angel hair pasta, cook the pasta while you are making the sauce, and after you have cooked the scallops.

Scallops

  • Bring out the fresh scallops and pat them dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Season the scallops with salt and pepper.
  • Using a small skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the scallops, cooking 2-3 minutes on the first side. Do not fuss with them, just let them cook without touching them. You are wanting a nice, gentle sear. Flip to the second side and cook for 1-2 minutes. When they are opaque, but just and no more, remove them from the pan and set aside (cover with foil to keep them warm or place them somewhere warm).

Sauce

  • Remove the pan from the heat for a moment in order to add the minced shallot and celery seed. Sauté these two together for one minute off of the heat (the pan will still be hot). Return the pan to the heat with the sautéd shallot and celery seed combined, turn the pan to medium heat. Add the sherry and vinegar, cook until the liquid is reduced by half. Add the cream and bring the pan to a gentle simmer, reducing the sauce just enough to your preferred viscosity (thickness).
  • Place the pasta in the dishes, pour the sauce over the pasta, placing the scallops on top of the pasta and sauce. Complete with a garnish, if desired, of chopped chives. Enjoy!