Scallops With Jerusalem Artichokes And Lemon Butter Food

SCALLOPS WITH ARTICHOKES AND JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Boil Jerusalem artichokes in salted water until tender. Drain well, peel, and puree in blender. Set aside in warm spot.
• Heat honey over medium heat until darkened. Add vinegar, and cook until thickened. Add sherry, and keep mixture warm.
• Heat peanut oil in a deep, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Thinly slice artichoke hearts. Drop into hot oil in batches, and cook until crisp and lightly browned. Drain on paper towels; keep them warm.
• Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over high heat. Season scallops. Add to pan, and cook until browned on one side, then turn, and cook a few seconds longer. Stir in butter, shallots and thyme. Remove scallops from pan, and add honey mixture. Bring to a boil.
• Spoon puree onto 4 serving plates. Divide scallops among plates, spoon sauce over and around, then top with crispy artichoke slices and julienned sage.

SCALLOPS WITH JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE PURéE AND HONEY-SAGE JUS

Steps:

• Place artichokes in saucepan with salted water to cover and boil until tender. Drain, peel and purée. Place in small saucepan or top of a double boiler, season with salt and pepper and stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Keep warm.
• Dry scallops on paper towel. Season with salt and pepper. Heat remaining oil in a 12-inch skillet until very hot. Add scallops, and sear on one side, about 2 minutes. When golden brown, turn and lower heat. Add butter to pan in bits. Add shallots and thyme to pan, and cook over medium-low heat, basting scallops with pan juices until shallots soften and scallops are just cooked. Transfer scallops to a warm platter.
• Add honey and vinegar to skillet, and whisk to deglaze pan. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon a mound of Jerusalem artichoke purée into center of each of 4 warm dinner plates. Place scallops around. Spoon pan sauce over scallops, and scatter sage on top. Serve.