Scallops for two

With three small kids, and no family nearby, it's not very often that my husband and I get to go out on a date. So we frequently have dates at home. This means first spending time together with our children while they eat dinner and play. We usually have wine and cheese and crackers with them while they eat. Then, after we put them to sleep (our kids all go to bed by 8 at the latest, so it's very easy) we enjoy our late dinner together.

One of our favorite treats is scallops. Here's a simple and quick recipe (that I adapted from Alton Brown's recipe) that makes a delicious (and seemingly gourmet) dinner for "date-night."

 

8-10 scallops (depending on size)
2 tbs olive oil
2 tbs butter
salt and pepper
white wine (optional for scallops, mandatory for date night!)

Simply rinse the scallops with cold water and pat dry with paper towel.
Then, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Add butter and oil to pan.
Heat pan on medium high until oil and pan are fairly hot.
Add scallops to the pan and allow each side to cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crusty (that sounds very unappetizing, but you know what I mean). Resist the urge to turn too quickly. They taste so delicious if you give them the time to caramelize.
After a few minutes, flip scallops and cook the other side.
If you like, you can add some white wine to the pan now, but it's also great without. 

Remove scallops from pan and place on plate. I usually serve with rice, pasta or pearled couscous and a green salad. Enjoy with wine and great conversation.