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Sea Scallops with Spiced Bacon

Bacon and scallops always pair beautifully, but it's the mixture of sugar and spice that transforms these easy-to-make hors d'oeuvres.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    35 min

  • Yield

    Makes 28 hors d'oeuvres

Ingredients

6

tablespoons packed dark brown sugar

1

tablespoon curry powder (preferably Madras)

1

/2 teaspoon cayenne

14

bacon slices (3/4 lb)

14

large sea scallops (1 lb), tough ligament removed from side of each if necessary and scallops halved

Special Equipment

28

wooden toothpicks

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Stir together brown sugar, curry powder, and cayenne in a bowl until combined well.

    Step 2

    Cook bacon in 2 batches in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until some fat has rendered and edges begin to brown but bacon is still flexible, about 2 minutes per batch. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain and cool.

    Step 3

    Preheat broiler and lightly oil top rack of a broiler pan (do not line with foil).

    Step 4

    Cut bacon slices in half crosswise. Divide sugar mixture among slices, spreading evenly and lightly pressing to help it adhere. Place 1 scallop half, cut side down, on each slice of sugar-coated bacon, then wrap bacon around scallop and secure with a toothpick. Transfer to oiled rack of a broiler pan.

    Step 5

    Broil scallops, bacon side down, 4 to 5 inches from heat, turning over once, until bacon is browned and scallops are opaque, about 6 minutes total. Serve immediately.