Lemon Butter Braised Scallops

scallops

What You Need:

1 1/2 lb. fresh sea scallops
3 tsp butter, divided
1 C of chicken broth
1 tsp lemon zest grated
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp garlic, minced
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make It:

Rinse the scallops and blot dry with paper towel.
Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium high heat.
Add the scallops and cook 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
Place the scallops in a serving bowl and keep warm.
In a separate bowl combine the broth, lemon zest, lemon juice and cornstarch.
Season the broth mixture with the salt and pepper then pour the mixture into the skillet.
Bring the mixture to a boil stirring constantly and allow it to boil 1 minute or until thick.
Take the skillet off of the heat and stir in the remaining butter and the parsley.
Pour the sauce over the scallops and toss gently to coat.

Makes 4 servings

It is important to purchase firm moist scallops that have a creamy white color. This will ensure you have purchased fresh scallops. Scallops that are not fresh will have a sulfur odor and have a pearly look. Do not purchase scallops that have a liquid oozing into the package. When you purchase scallops use them right away or freeze them for up to 2 months. Remember scallops do cook rather quickly so cook your side dishes first and then your scallops.

Preparation Time: approximately 10 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 6 minutes
Total Time: approximately 16 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 192; Fat 5g; Saturated Fat 2g; Carbohydrates 6g; Protein 29g; Fiber 0g;
Cholesterol 64mg; Sodium 765mg

Big Blue Sea Stew

seafood-stew

seafood-stewWhat You Need:

2/3 C of water
2 C rotini pasta
1 t of olive oil
16 shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 lb. sea scallops
1/2 t of salt
ΒΌ t of pepper
1 small onion, diced
6 garlic cloves, crushed
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into slices
1 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into slices
4 fresh tomatoes, chopped
1 small zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and cut into slices
2 celery stalks, sliced thin

How to Make It:

Place the oven temperature at 450 degrees and allow the oven to preheat.
Spray a cast iron Dutch oven pan well with a non stick cooking spray.
Pour the water into the Dutch oven.
Add the pasta and stir coating well.
Spread the pasta in an even layer over the bottom of the pan.
Place the shrimp and scallops into the pan and sprinkle with the salt and pepper.
Add in the onion, garlic and both types of bell peppers.
Layer the tomatoes over the peppers and the zucchini over the tomatoes.
Scatter the celery evenly over the top.
Cover and bake 45 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the seafood is cooked through.

Makes 4 servings

Precooked seafood will work just as well as raw seafood. If you are using raw seafood your dish will have a much stronger flavor than when using precooked.

Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes
Baking Time: approximately 45 minutes
Total Time: approximately 1 hour

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 241; Fat 3g; Carbohydrates 35g; Cholesterol 53 mg; Sodium 53 mg; Protein 18g; Fiber 5g