Buttery Brandy Gratinated Scallops Recipe

Recipe: Buttery Brandy Gratinated Scallops

Category: Appetizers
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Butter Mixture:
   Start by placing the butter, cut into small pieces, into a saucepan. Melt the butter over low heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to turn a light golden brown, but be careful not to burn it. This process should take just a few minutes, so stay attentive to prevent the butter from becoming too dark. Once it’s browned, remove the saucepan from the heat.

2. Season the Butter:
   Finely chop the fresh parsley and add it to the melted butter, stirring to combine. Then, grate a small amount of nutmeg into the mixture for added flavor. Stir everything together well to ensure the butter and herbs are evenly mixed.

3. Make the Breadcrumb Mixture:
   Slowly add the breadcrumbs to the butter mixture, a little at a time, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more butter to achieve the desired consistency.

4. Add the Brandy:
   To add a rich, aromatic flavor, pour in the brandy, stirring gently to incorporate. The brandy will moisten the breadcrumb mixture and enhance its flavor profile. This step will give your gratinated scallops a subtle yet distinct touch.

5. Prepare the Scallops:
   Place the cleaned scallops into their shells. If you do not have scallop shells, you can use a baking dish. Arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spoon about one and a half tablespoons of the breadcrumb and brandy mixture onto each scallop, making sure to cover them evenly. Use the back of the spoon to press the mixture down slightly to ensure it sticks well to the scallops.

6. Baking the Scallops:
   Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) for static cooking. Place the tray of scallops in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes. After this time, the breadcrumbs should be golden and crispy. To achieve a nice crispy top, move the tray under the grill for an additional 5 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent over-browning.

7. Serving:
   Once the scallops are golden brown and sizzling, remove them from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving, but serve them warm for the best flavor and texture. These buttery gratinated scallops, enriched with brandy and seasoned to perfection, are now ready to impress your guests!

Serving Tips

These scallops are best served immediately after baking, while the breadcrumb topping is still crispy and the scallops tender. Pair them with a light salad or a refreshing white wine to complement the rich flavors of this elegant appetizer. Enjoy your Buttery Brandy Gratinated Scallops as a delicious start to any special meal!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on the exact ingredients used.)

This recipe, with its delicate scallops, aromatic butter, and the rich, warming hint of brandy, is sure to be a standout appetizer at any gathering. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet dish at home!