Scallops With Cep Compote Chestnuts Recipes

Steps:

• In a large wok heat oil to almost the smoking point. Season the scallops with salt and pepper and dredge in cornstarch. Add to the oil and fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove scallops and drain on paper towels. Next add the chiles, water chestnuts, scallions, and mushrooms. Cook until tender. Add the red wine vinegar, sugar and ginger. Stir to incorporate. Garnish with Thai basil, cilantro and cucumber slices seasoned with salt.

Steps:

• Make compote:
• Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add fennel; sauté until tender, about 12 minutes. Add stock, sugar and lemon. Simmer until fennel is very tender and mixture is thick, stirring often, about 20 minutes. (Can be made 1 day ahead; chill.)
• Make sauce:
• Boil first 6 ingredients in medium saucepan until liquid is reduced to 3/4 cup, about 20 minutes. Add cream; boil until liquid is reduced to 3/4 cup, about 5 minutes. Strain sauce into small saucepan. Bring to simmer. Remove from heat. Gradually add 5 tablespoons butter, whisking just until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
• Melt remaining 2 tablespoon butter in heavy large skillet over high heat. Season scallops with salt and pepper. Add to skillet and sauté until cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.
• Rewarm fennel. Divide among 6 plates. Surround with scallops. Spoon sauce around scallops.

Steps:

• Wrap each piece of bacon around a scallop half and water chestnut half, and skewer them, allowing 4 bacon-wrapped portions per stick.
• Preheat the broiler. Broil the scallops for 3-4 minutes, turning over once.
• Meanwhile, make the saffron butter. In a small, heavy-based frying pan heat together the butter, lemon, vinegar, saffron and white wine. Mix in the anchovy essence and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
• Divide the salad leaves among 4 serving plates and top each plate with a freshly cooked skewer of scallops. Drizzle the saffron butter over the scallops, sprinkle with chives and serve at once.