Grilled Scallops with Warm Fingerling Potato and Bacon Salad

8/20/2002

1 1/2 quarts vegetable broth or water

4 cloves garlic, divided

1 sprig rosemary

1 sprig thyme

1 bay leaf

1 pound fingerling potatoes or small new potatoes, well scrubbed

1/4 pound (5 slices) bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

4 shallots, cut into thin slices

1 tablespoon sherry vinegar

4 ounces salad greens, washed (about 4 cups)

1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided

3/4 teaspoon pepper, divided

1 1/2 pounds sea scallops

In large saucepan, bring broth, 3 cloves garlic, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf to a boil over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and boil, uncovered 10 to 13 minutes or until potatoes are just tender. Drain potatoes, discarding herb sprigs and garlic cloves; slice potatoes, then set aside.

In large nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until crisp. Drain bacon on paper towels; reserve bacon fat. In same skillet, cook and stir potatoes in reserved bacon fat 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown. Mince remaining clove of garlic. Add garlic and shallots to potato mixture; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until shallots are soft. Add reserved cooked bacon and vinegar, mixing until combined.

In large bowl, toss potato mixture with salad greens. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Arrange salad evenly on 4 serving plates and set aside. Meanwhile, season scallops with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Grill scallops over medium-hot coals (or broil on rack of broiler pan 3 to 4 inches from heat) 4 to 6 minutes or until scallops are cooked to desired doneness, turning once. Serve with salad.

Yield: 4 servings