For New Year’s Eve: Scallops With Amaretto

New Year’s Eve stirs romantic feelings in nearly everyone. A cozy dinner for two by candlelight featuring Amaretto Scallops is the perfect way to bring in the new year while bidding a fond farewell to the old.

Tender scallops are sauteed in butter and served in a deliciously rich cream sauce, laced with amaretto.

AMARETTO SCALLOPS

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

2 tablespoons oil

1 pound scallops

3 tablespoons chopped shallots

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves

1/2 cup whipping cream

1/3 cup amaretto

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Heat butter and oil in skillet until very hot. Add scallops and saute quickly until lightly golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove scallops and keep warm.

Add shallots, lemon juice and thyme to skillet. Cook until shallots are tender. Stir in cream and amaretto. Bring liquid to boil and boil until slightly thickened. Return scallops to skillet and heat through. Garnish with parsley. Makes 4 servings.