Spiced Scallops with Balsamic-Braised Red Cabbage, from Epicurious.com

Impress your date or throw a dinner party for your favorite single friends. Play domestic diva for an evening, no experience required, with this quick & tasty recipe for a delicious dinner at home!

Spiced Scallops with Balsamic Braised Red Cabbage

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 pound red cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
• 2 Turkish bay leaves or 1 California
• 3/4 cup water, divided
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 pinches ground cloves
• 1 1/2 pounds large sea scallops, tough ligament removed from side of each if attached

- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add cabbage, bay leaves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and toss to coat.

- Stir in 1/2 cup water and 2 tablespoon vinegar and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a platter and keep warm, covered.

- Stir together spices, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Pat scallops dry and season both sides with spice mixture.

- Wipe out skillet, then heat remaining tablespoon butter over medium-high heat until foam subsides. Sauté scallops, turning once, until golden brown and just cooked through, about 5 minutes total. Add to cabbage.

- Add remaining 1/4 cup water and tablespoon vinegar to skillet and boil, stirring, until slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour over scallops and cabbage.

 

Yedi Houseware Inside Out Heart Espresso Cups and Saucers, $35 at Amazon.com

Pair the scallops with Egg Fried Rice served in ramekins. Find a wok on beso.

Then, end the evening on a sweet note with Chocolate Orange Turnovers served on dessert plates or a cute set, like Yedi Housewares heart-shaped cups and saucers.  After all, how can you appreciate dessert without some chocolate?

All recipes provided by Epicurious.