This has one of the best combination of flavors that I have ever tasted (by Whitney Bond)… But you have to get fresh scallops and a fresh rosemary sprig. Then, follow these instructions exactly (Alton Brown’s method is foolproof) and you too will be able to cook a gourmet scallop dinner.

Ingredients:

• 3 big scallops – fresh

• ½ sprig fresh rosemary – pull the leaves off the twig

• 3 leaves fresh mint – for garnish (optional)

• 2 strips maple bacon – cooked

• 1 tbsp scallions – cut (optional)

• ¼ cup pistachios – shelled

• 1 tsp pink Himalayan salt – freshly ground

• 1 tsp black peppercorns freshly ground

Pistachio Spread Directions:

• Combine everything (except scallops) in a small food processor and blend away.

• Lightly brown mixture on stove in dallop of butter.

Scallop Directions:

• Sprinkle both sides with salt (coarsely ground) and pepper (finely ground b/c pepper burns easy).

• Place 1 Tbs butter and 1 Tbs olive oil in pan (b/c butter has some water in it and burns at a low temp).

• Turn pan onto high heat. When bubbling stops and you see the first hint of smoke, turn it down to medium heat and immediately place scallops in the pan.

• Sear scallops for 1.5 min on each side. Don’t touch or mess with them for 1.5 min!

• Place scallops on top of pistachio spread and garnish with fresh mint (I couldn’t coat the scallops with the pistachios and get it to stick).

Written by:
Dr. Terra Caudill

Photo Credit:
Dr. Terra Caudill

Original Recipe:
http://whitneybond.com/bacon-pistachio-crusted-scallops/

Original Technique:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/seared-scallops-recipe-1916984