Seafood Appetizers

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Pesto Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 large sea scallops
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup of pesto sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Toothpicks
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil

Step-by-step instructions:
a. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
b. Rinse the scallops and pat them dry with paper towels.
c. Season the scallops with salt and pepper.
d. Cut the bacon slices in half.
e. Wrap each scallop with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
f. Place the bacon-wrapped scallops on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
g. Brush the pesto sauce over the bacon-wrapped scallops.
h. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through.
i. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
j. Serve warm.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
5. Temperature:
- 375°F
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 17g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of sea scallops, you can use bay scallops or shrimp.
- Instead of pesto sauce, you can use any other sauce of your choice.

Variations:
- You can add some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pesto sauce before baking.
- You can sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top of the baked scallops for extra flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pat the scallops dry before seasoning them to prevent excess moisture.
- Use toothpicks to secure the bacon around the scallops to prevent them from unraveling.
- You can partially cook the bacon in a pan before wrapping it around the scallops for extra crispiness.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover bacon-wrapped scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the bacon-wrapped scallops, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the bacon-wrapped scallops on a platter with some fresh herbs and lemon wedges for garnish.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil
- Lemon wedges

Pairings:
- White wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
- Crusty bread or garlic bread

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts
- Rice pilaf or quinoa salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bacon is not crispy enough, you can broil the scallops for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the scallops until they are opaque and firm to the touch to ensure they are fully cooked.

Food history:
- Bacon-wrapped scallops are a popular appetizer in many seafood restaurants and are often served with a variety of sauces.

Flavor profiles:
- The salty and smoky flavor of the bacon pairs well with the sweet and delicate flavor of the scallops, while the pesto sauce adds a fresh and herbaceous note.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the bacon-wrapped scallops as an appetizer or as a main course with some side dishes.

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Taste: Savory, Salty, Smoky, Garlicky, Creamy, Nutty