BLACKENED SCALLOPS WITH HORSERADISH SAUCE

These quick seared Blackened Sea Scallops are coated in a homemade blend of blackened seasoning, then cooked in a cast iron skillet served with a creamy horseradish sauce.

• Make sure the scallops are at room temperature before adding the melted butter.
• To begin you’ll need a cast iron skillet. This recipe starts on the stove then finishes in the oven. In order to get a good sear, your skillet needs to be very hot.
• Be sure to dry the scallops well before cooking. You can blot with paper towels.
• If you like your food spicy, increase the cayenne pepper to 3/4 to 1 teaspoon.
• Once the pan is hot, sear them without moving at least 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Cook until the center is slightly translucent, careful not to overcook.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, or more to taste
• 1- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoons butter*
• 16 large sea scallops, 20 ounces room temperature

• Be sure to dry the scallops well before cooking. You can blot with paper towels.
• If you like your food spicy, increase the cayenne pepper to 3/4 to 1 teaspoon.
• Horseradish Cream
• 1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream*
• 1  tablespoon  prepared grated horseradish
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• black pepper, to taste

• Preheat the oven to 350F.
• In a small bowl combine the horseradish cream ingredients and set aside.
• In another small bowl, add the paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper and mix to blend. Coat the scallops on all sides with the spices.

• Heat a large heavy-bottomed pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat, and melt the butter.
• When very hot add the scallops and saute 1 minutes on each side.
• Transfer to the oven to finish cooking 4 to 5 minutes, or until the scallops are just cooked through and just opaque in the middle. (warning, you may want to open your windows, you kitchen will get smokey.) Serve with sauce.