Coquilles Saint-Jacques

I enjoyed a terrific Coquilles Saint-Jacques at a French bistro recently and can think of no better wine to pair with this dish than Balverne’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc. The citrusy character of the wine complements the seafood while the bright acidity balances the richness of the sauce.

Ingredients

• 3 T butter
• ½ C diced shallots
• 1 C sliced chanterelle mushrooms (or substitute crimini)
• 1 C Balverne Sauvignon Blanc wine
• 1 Lb sea scallops, sliced in half
• ½ C heavy cream
• 1 egg yolk
• ¼ t of cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 1 t dried tarragon (or less to taste)
• 1 t lemon zest
• ¼ C shredded Gruyère cheese

Directions

1. Sauté shallots in butter for 1 minute. Add mushrooms and sauté until lightly browned.
2. Add wine to shallots and mushrooms and bring just to a simmer. Poach scallops in the mixture until slightly firm.  Strain out shallots, mushrooms and scallops and divide evenly between four scallop shells or ramekins.  Leave broth in pan.
3. Stir cream into broth and bring to a boil, reducing mixture to about half the original volume. Immediately remove from heat and cool for a couple of minutes.
4. Whisk in egg yolk, cayenne and tarragon (if desired) to taste. Add lemon zest and mix.  Adjust flavors with salt as desired.
5. Pour sauce over scallops, dividing evenly between the four ramekins. Top with Gruyère cheese.
6. Place ramekins under broiler until sauce is bubbling and cheese is lightly browned. Serve immediately.

(Source: Allrecipes)