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ELEGANTLY SPIRITED SCALLOPS

4 dinner servings, 6 - 8 appetizer servings.
 
This dish makes an elegant dinner for four to six. It is delicious served over rice or pasta, and may be baked in individual ramekins for an impressive appetizer at your next dinner party.
 

INGREDIENTS

· 1/2 cup dry sherry
· 1½ cups water (divided)
· 1 pound Florida bay scallops
(if you use sea scallops, quarter them)
· 1/2 teaspoon salt
· 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

· 1 medium Florida onion, chopped
· 1 large clove Florida garlic, minced
· 3 Tablespoons butter, divided
· 1/2 pound fresh Florida mushrooms, sliced
· 1 Tablespoon fresh Florida parsley, chopped
· 2 Tablespoons Florida lemon juice

· 2 Tablespoons flour
· 1/2 cup Florida heavy cream, heated
· 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
· 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
· paprika to taste
 

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Bring sherry and ½ cup water to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan. Add scallops, salt and pepper. Poach for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove scallops, to a 2-quart casserole or individual baking dishes, draining and reserving the liquid.

Step 2: Saute onion and garlic in one Tablespoon butter for 3 to 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and parsley and saute an additional 3 minutes. Add remaining cup of water and lemon juice to garlic, onions, mushrooms and parsley, bring to a boil. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Melt remaining butter. Add the flour stirring constantly and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. With a wire whisk, blend in reserved poaching liquid and cook until sauce thickens. Add vegetable mixture and hot cream. Season to taste if necessary. Pour sauce over scallops. Top with Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses and paprika.

Step 4: Cover and refrigerate or bake immediately in 350 degree oven for 30 - 40 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
 

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services