Seared Scallops and Tenderloin Steaks in Manhattan Sauce

Recipe & picture courtesy of Rachael Ray

Makes 2 servings

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), 1 turn of the pan, plus more for drizzling
• Four 1-inch-thick beef tenderloin steaks (about 4 to 6 ounces each)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 8 large diver sea scallops, trimmed
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup sweet vermouth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped or snipped chives

1. Drizzle some EVOO over the steaks and season with salt and pepper. Get a large nonstick skillet screaming hot and add the meat. Cook the meat over high heat for 3 minutes on each side for medium rare, 4 for medium to medium-well. Remove the meat from the skillet and pull the pan off the heat to cool.
2. Drizzle some EVOO over the scallops and season them with salt and pepper. Get another large skillet screaming hot and cook the scallops over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until caramelized.
3. Bring 2 inches of water to a boil in a medium skillet.
4. Return the meat pan to medium heat and add the EVOO, 1 turn of the pan. Add the shallot and garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the vermouth and reduce by half, about 30 seconds. Add the butter to the pan to finish the Manhattan sauce.
5. Add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the asparagus and dress with the lemon juice and a drizzle of EVOO; season with salt and pepper.
6. Place 2 steaks on each plate and drizzle with the Manhattan sauce. Place 2 scallops on top of each of the steaks and garnish with the chives. Serve the asparagus alongside.

**Personal Review: This came out amazing and I was really surprised by how easy this recipe really is. The end result is mouth watering, the steaks were so tender. I loved the idea of lemon juice on the asparagus, I usually just add butter. Jason was thrilled with this dinner as well, it will continue to be a “special occasion” dinner.**

Pesto Scallops with Toasted Walnuts

Recipe & picture courtesy of Family Circle

Makes: 4 servings
Cook: 10 minutes; saute 8 minutes
Prep: 15 minutes

• 1/2 pound whole-wheat bowtie pasta
• 1 pound sea scallops
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup jarred basil pesto
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped, toasted walnuts
• Fresh basil (optional)

1. Cook pasta following package directions, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
2. While pasta is cooking, season scallops with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté 3 to 4 minutes per side, until cooked through and no longer translucent.
3. Add the pesto to drained pasta. Stir in some of the reserved cooking liquid until pasta is evenly coated with pesto.
4. Stir in the cheese and the toasted walnuts. Serve with the scallops, and garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

 **Personal Review: No Review Yet**