Scallops With Brussels Sprouts

Here's a recipe that is fast - 25 min. Ideal for Valentine's Day from Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinsky from Valentine's Day Dinner in Food & Wine Magazine, 02/2006 edition. Chef Brioza has a brilliant way of preparing the brussels sprouts: Rather than cook them whole, he thinly slices them, then sautés them with pancetta, shallot and garlic until they are shredded and soft.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup creme fraiche
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  finely grated lemon zest
• 1  teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1  tablespoon  snipped chives
• 3  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 6  jumbo scallops (about 3/4 pound)
• 6  slices pancetta (about 2 ounces)
• 1⁄2 lb Brussels sprout, thinly sliced
• 1  shallot, thinly sliced
• 1  tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1  garlic clove, minced

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk the creme fraiche with the finely grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, snipped chives and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.
2. Season the lemon-chive creme fraiche with salt and pepper.
3. In a medium skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil until shimmering.
4. Generously season the scallops with salt and pepper and add them to the skillet.
5. Cook the scallops over moderately high heat, turning once, until they are golden and just cooked through, about 5 minutes.
6. Transfer the scallops to a plate; tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.
7. Meanwhile, in another medium skillet, cook the pancetta over moderately high heat, turning once, until browned and crisp, about 4 minutes.
8. Add the brussels sprouts and shallot and cook, stirring, until the brussels sprouts are softened but still bright green, about 2 minutes.
9. Off the heat, stir in the butter and garlic and season with salt and pepper; transfer to plates and top with the scallops.
10. Serve with the lemon-chive creme fraiche & Lush white: 2004 Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas Blanc.
11. Enjoy!