Seaside Broiled Scallops in Vermouth

I love to travel.  I would much rather travel someplace than to buy a car or a shiny something, because travel makes the brain, the heart, and the soul richer, while the other only makes us-- well, you can decide. 

Summer is a great time to travel.  Because the economy is still bad and times are tight, if you are like my hubby and me, we are choosing to stay close home this year.

I often say, "Food can take you anywhere you want to go, even if you don't have a lot of money."  If you cannot afford to travel, you can create your own "vacation" memories at home.  So in honor of all of those who cannot afford a summer vacation this year, I bring to you a virtual vacation through food.   Over the remainder of the summer, I'll be taking you on more of these trips as I create new, healthy recipes to share with you.

If you are going to prepare this as a virtual "get-away" dish for two, take the time to create a little ambiance. Set the table sea-side style. 

This dish (not counting alcoholic beverages you might wish to consume with it) will cost you less than $15.00 to make.

Seaside Broiled Sea Scallops in Vermouth

Do not expect a rich, buttery, unhealthy cream sauce with this dish.  You can really taste the scallops, and this sauce is light    You are going to want to serve this with rice pilaf (as I did) and perhaps even some crusty French bread to sop up that light sauce.  Yeah, it's that good. 

The scallop dish cooks up in minutes, so be sure to have your side dishes prepared first.  Putting together a great meal is often about the timing.  Plan which dish to prepare first based on the time it takes to make it. 

Cook's Notes:  I recommend using extra dry or dry vermouth with this dish, however, a nice dry white wine (one you can drink) also gives this great flavor.  You can substitute non-alcoholic wine.  If using broth instead of the wine, use garlic powder instead of garlic salt. 

A serving is five large sea scallops per person or 1/4 pound each.

Ingredients:

1/2 pound sea scallops, fresh or frozen (if frozen, defrost and pat dry)
2 tablespoons extra dry or dry vermouth wine, divided
2 teaspoons of softened butter, divided
A few pinches of seafood seasoning, to taste
A few pinches of dried dill weed
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, divided
2 teaspoons plain dried breadcrumbs, divided
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, divided
Pinch or two of white pepper, optional and to taste
Fresh lemon slices for garnish, optional
Fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Directions:

Spray ramekins with butter flavored cooking spray.  Layer five scallops in each container.

Add 1/2 tablespoon of vermouth over scallops.  Add 1/2 tablespoon of softened butter into each (as pictured). Do not place the butter directly on top of any of the scallops but to the side as you are creating a sauce.

Sprinkle each ramekin with a few pinches of the seafood seasoning.  Top each ramekin with a pinch of dried dill.  Add 1/2 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to both containers.

Top the scallops with 1/2 teaspoon dried bread crumbs.  Sprinkle each ramekin evenly with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt and just a 1/2 pinch of white pepper, scattered. 

Transfer ramekins to a baking pan.   Midst scallops and bread crumbs with more cooking spray to ensure browning.

Broil for  until scallops and bread crumbs turn golden brown and all of the butter is melted.  Carefully rotate pan containing ramekins if necessary. 

Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley (optional).

For a week night inexpensive take on seafood, check out my new weekly online cookbook called Cafe' Cheapo for new easy and inexpensive to prepare recipe. 

And if you liked "Amazing Artichoke week,"  look forward to my first cooking video on Living El Cheapo.  I know you are going to like it!  (COMING SOON!).

If you enjoy scallops, you might also like this post:  BBQ Shrimp and Sea Scallops.

Wine tip:  Check with your local liquor store.  There are likely certain days of the week or month when they put the discontinued wines on clearance.  You can enjoy a better bottle of wine for up to 50% off in many cases.  Call your local store to find out what days they discount these wines and stock up for special occasions.

Enjoy and see you soon!