A New Years Eve favourite that may be a “blast from the past” but everytime I make them I am always reminded that some things never lose their appeal! I recommend that you use top quality fresh scallops; Finest at Sea,** here in Vancouver, is an excellent source. I like to make a slightly spicy creamy cocktail sauce to serve with the scallops but tartar sauce or even a spicy mayo. made using some chiplotle chilies would all be good, or in a pinch, use bought cocktail sauce. If your scallops are very large, you may want to half them to make smaller appetizers. If so, get twice the amount of bacon.
Makes 21 Appetizers
1 cup unbleached flour
1 ½ – 2 tsp. sea salt
1 Tbsp. paprika
1 tsp. freshly ground white pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
21 SEA scallops
1 egg beaten with 1 cup milk
1 cup dry breadcrumbs
21 slices good quality bacon
21 toothpicks
Creamy Cocktail Sauce
1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Heinz chili sauce
¼ cup prepared horseradish
1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Combine the above ingredients; cover & place in the fridge until serving time.
Make the Scallops:
Place an oven rack on the level closest to the broiler element. Heat the broiler.
Spray 2 rimmed baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray & place the bacon slices horizontally on each sheet. Place one of the sheets of bacon under the broiler & broil the bacon until it’s cooked halfway through, approximately 2 – 4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon. Remove from the oven & place the bacon on a large paper towel lined tray. Cook the second sheet of bacon in the same way, placing on the paper towel lined pan with the previously cooked bacon.
Preheat the oven to 400 F.
Lightly grease two 9” glass baking dishes or a 9 x 13” glass baking dish with cooking oil. Combine flour, salt, paprika, pepper & garlic powder in a shallow dish. Place the breadcrumbs in another shallow dish.
Rinse & pat dry the scallops with paper towels; roll them in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess flour. Dip into the egg-milk mixture & then roll in the breadcrumbs. Lay a scallop at the bottom of a slice of bacon; roll up & secure with a toothpick & place in the greased pans. Continue in the same manner with the remaining scallops.
Place the scallops in the oven and bake until the bacon is crisp & the scallops are cooked through, approximately 15 – 20 minutes. Don’t overcook them or they will become tough.
Place on a warm serving dish & serve with the sauce of your choice!
For locations of Finest at Sea, please see my Source List.
