Ingredients

• 2 pounds large sea scallops, about 18 to 20

• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Dash freshly ground pepper

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• 2 teaspoons unsalted butter

Preparation

In a bowl or food storage bag, toss scallops gently with the Cajun seasoning, 2 teaspoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for about 1 hour.

Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 teaspoons of butter in a large skillet over high heat. With tongs, arrange the scallops in the hot fat and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned.

Serve as a first-course salad with a citrus dressing...

Ingredients

• 2-1/2 Tbs. unsalted butter

• 12 oz. baby spinach (about 12 loosely packed cups)

• 2 medium leeks (white and light-green parts only), halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise, and rinsed (about 1 cup)

• Kosher salt

• 2 large cloves garlic, minced

• 1/3 cup dry white wine

• 1/3 cup heavy cream

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Pinch freshly grated nutmeg

• 2 Tbs. freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

• 16 large dry-packed sea scallops

• 4 tsp. vegetable oil

Preparation

Melt 1/2 Tbs. of the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the spinach and cook, tossing with tongs, until just wilted, about 2 minute...