exploreNW Summer/Fall 21 | Page 30

Seared Mediterranean Scallops
3 SMARTPHONE TRAVEL PHOTO TIPS
I T I N E R A R Y | S H O R T H O P S

Seared Mediterranean Scallops

WHILE MANY HOME COOKS ARE intimidated by scallops , these delicate muscles are actually one of the easiest and quickest seafoods to prepare . You just need to remember three key principles : hot pan , dry scallops , and patient hands .
You want a hot fry pan , to have dried the exterior of the scallop so it doesn ’ t steam , and to not touch them until they ’ ve developed a good sear . This recipe delivers that perfect mix of a crusty outside and a smooth , buttery inside .
These particular scallops are served with a luscious sun-dried tomato pesto , which brings a bit of warmth to cooler evenings . I like to serve these with roasted broccolini , but nearly any vegetable will do , including cauliflower , Brussel sprouts , and zucchini .
MATT SMART
Serves 4 matt smart photo
Ingredients Scallops 16 scallops , roe removed Salt and pepper to taste 2 tbs olive oil 2 tbs unsalted butter ½ cup Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto ( see accompanying recipe ) Roasted Broccolini ( optional )
Cooking Scallops Directions Dry scallops well with a paper towel , then generously season with salt and pepper .
Heat olive oil in a large fry pan over medium-high heat until hot . Add scallops and cook ( on one side only ) for 3 to 5 minutes until very crisp . Turn scallops and reduce heat to low . Add butter ( it will immediately start to brown ). Turn off heat ( the residual heat will finish cooking the scallops ).
Divide pesto between four plates . Evenly distribute scallops and roasted broccolini . Serve immediately .
Ingredients Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto 1 ( 8.5 oz .) jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil 1 cup fresh basil leaves ½ cup Parmesan cheese ½ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup pine nuts 3 cloves garlic ½ tsp salt
Directions Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto In a food processor , combine sun-dried tomatoes in oil , basil , Parmesan , pine nuts , garlic , and salt .
While food processor is running , slowly add olive oil until emulsified (* for a thinner consistency , add additional oil ).
Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week .
3 SMARTPHONE TRAVEL PHOTO TIPS
Travel photography is like a time machine , offering frozen moments and a wealth of memories . But sometimes capturing that perfect image is easier said than done — especially when you don ’ t want to lug around a bulky professional camera . Use the following tips to take incredible smartphone travel photos .
Chase the Light . When it comes to photography , light is king . This often means shooting at sunset or sunrise — especially if you ’ re looking for fabulous skin tone in your next profile photo .
Beat the Crowds . Crowded photos are the standard tourist trap . Make your pictures stand out by getting up a little earlier or staying out a little longer than most people . ( An easy thing to do during the fall and winter in the San Juan Islands .)
Put Depth of Field to Use . Depth of field is the distance between the nearest and farthest object . With a smartphone camera , you can create depth of field by shooting with your camera close to an object , while using your finger to select focus on an item in the distance . ( As seen in the above photo .) Some smartphone cameras offer a specific mode that can create this point of view . ( On an iPhone it ’ s called Portrait Mode .) sydney angove photo
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