Tuesday, January 17, 2012

2444. SCALLOPS with CRISPY BACON, STRAWBERRIES and BASIL ESSENCE

yields two servings


2 scallops
1 shallot, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
4 peppercorns
¼ cup white wine
2 tablespoons heavy cream
½ lb cold butter, cubed
½ lb thick cut bacon, small diced
½ red onion, small diced
4 strawberries, small diced
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
½ teaspoon lemon juice
¼ bunch fresh basil leaves
extra virgin olive oil, as needed
salt and pepper, to taste

Dry scallops with a paper towel. In a small saucepan, sweat shallots and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add thyme, bay leaf, peppercorns, and white wine, reduce to au sec. Add cream and reduce by half. Slowly whisk in cold butter. Strain through chinois and season. Sauté bacon until crispy. Drain and let cool. Toss with remaining ingredients and season with 1 teaspoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend basil with ¼ cup olive oil. Strain through chinois. Season scallop with salt and pepper. In a hot sauté pan, sear scallop until brown. Flip over and cook to medium rare.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Chef Alex Reznik, Top Chef, Season 7, Episode 7, Quickfire Challenge, Bravo TV

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