Sea Scallops With Almond Sauce

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Combine oil and half the butter in a large skillet, preferably nonstick, and turn heat to medium-high. Sprinkle scallops with salt and cayenne. When butter foam subsides, add scallops to pan, one at a time (or all at once if you're using bay scallops), and turn heat to high. Cook about 2 minutes, or until one side browns, then turn and brown other side for a minute or two longer. (If you like scallops more well done, cook a couple of minutes more.)

2. Step 2

   Remove scallops to a plate, and keep warm. Add nuts to skillet over high heat, and cook, stirring, a minute or two, until dark brown. Add wine, and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced to a syrup, about 5 minutes. Add remaining butter; when sauce has thickened, pour over scallops. Garnish with parsley if desired.