Scalloped Scallops

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Heat oven to 500. In a medium saucepan over low heat, sautéshallots with a pinch of salt in 1 tablespoon butter for 8 minutes, or until softened and translucent, but not brown. Reserve. Add another tablespoon butter to pan, and sauté mushrooms with a pinch of salt for 8 minutes, or until lightly browned.

2. Step 2

   Return shallots to pan and add sherry. When sherry has reduced to about a tablespoon, add truffle butter, if desired, and heavy cream. Cook until cream is reduced by one-third. Reserve in a warm place.

3. Step 3

   In a small skillet, melt remaining tablespoon butter, add bread crumbs and toss with a spoon until evenly coated. Reserve.

4. Step 4

   Season scallops very lightly on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke. Lay scallops in pan, and sear on one side until caramelized, about 3 minutes. Turn them over and turn off heat.

5. Step 5

   Place scallop shells on a cookie sheet. Add parsley to sherry sauce, and spoon some sauce into each shell. Arrange 1 scallop in each shell, browned side up. Sprinkle bread crumbs over sauce, but not on scallops. Bake scallops for 3 minutes, or until bread crumbs are lightly browned.