Bay Scallops on Angel Hair Pasta

            

Anita and I are continuing with soft foods because of her recent oral surgery. Today's entry is sauteed bay scallops in a jalapeno sauce over angel hair pasta. It is fairly mild and she had no trouble eating it because the scallops are fairly soft when sauteed over medium heat for a few minutes. She was not allowed the lemon; but it adds a nice flavor and looks good on the plate. We will cook this again even when she is healed because it is delicious.

Makes:            2 servings
Prep Time:    10 minutes
Cook Time:   15-20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:
8 oz. small Bay Scallops warmed to room temperature for 30 minutes while drying thoroughly.
1 T unsalted butter
1 T extra virgin olive oil
4 large garlic cloves, sliced thin
1/4 C white wine (we use Sauvignon Blanc)
1/4 C low sodium if possible, organic vegetable broth
Juice from 1 lemon
6 oz angel hair pasta
1 red jalapeno, seeded and chopped small
¼ C of fresh basil, chopped or torn
Zest from 1 lemon
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 t arrow root or cornstarch whisked in carefully to thicken
Lemon quarters
¼ C Parmesan cheese for garnish

PREPARATION:
1.Melt butter in a 12” cast iron pan. Add EVOO.
2. Add scallops and red pepper flakes and sauté on medium heat until cooked thoroughly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from pan and reserve in warming oven at 150-200*F
3. Reduce to medium-low heat, add jalapeno and saute 3 minutes while stirring frequently. Add the chopped garlic and sauté another 2 minutes.
4. Add the liquids and half of basil and cook down for several more minutes then carefully thicken to consistency you want.
5. While cooking the sauce, cook the angel hair pasta in salted and oiled boiling water until al dente. Pour into colander and drain.

PLATING:
1. Add drained pasta to a heated bowl or plate.
2. Spoon the sauce onto the pasta, not covering it all.
3. Spoon the scallops on top of the sauce.
4. Top with a little grated Parmesan cheese and remaining chopped basil.
5. Serve with lemon quarters.

Buona tavola,
Tom and Anita