King Christmas Starter

Here is another Christmas starter that is WOW to look at, simple to make and suitably sumptuous for the big day.  We have used three scallops per person, which would be reasonably generous but you could slice them in half to lighten the dish.  We also kept the bright orange roes on, not everyone is keen on them but they do look good.  Try to find diver caught scallops which is a sustainable method, rather than dredged which simply pulls everything from the sea and damages the beds.

The combination of seared scallops and Serrano ham is sensational with the gentle saltiness of the ham contrasting the sweet fish and making an entirely new flavour.  The salads we have used are in season winter favourites and look fantastic too.  Most of it can be prepared ahead leaving just the scallops to sear and the instant sauce.

For four you will need;

12 prepared King scallops.  6 if you are using halves.

4 slices Serrano ham

Lambs lettuce

2 red chicory

3 tbsp sherry or red wine vinegar

50g butter

Oil for searing

The secret about cooking scallops is to do it fast and hot, if you cook scallops slowly you will be chewing till Boxing day! So use a large frying pan and get it smoking hot.
Arrange the salads on plates and have the ham on hand.  Sear the scallops for 90 secs only on each side and then place on the plates.  Tear and drape the ham over.  Add the vinegar to the pan, then the butter and season, it will almost instantly become a sauce.  When it starts to bubble spoon it sparingly over each dish.  Serve immediately.  A glass of cold fino sherry would be rather good with this.

Happy Christmas form Mark and Jo

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