Scallops with Vanilla Butter, Squid Ink Spaghetti, and Pumpkin Cream

Scallops with Vanilla Butter

Ingredients

• 12 fresh scallops
• 100 g butter
• 1 vanilla bean
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon (for juice and zest)

Preparation

1. Preparing the scallops:
   Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture after shelling them.

2. Making the vanilla butter:
   In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the vanilla bean, split in half, and let it infuse for a few minutes. Remove the bean once the butter has absorbed the flavor.

3. Cooking the scallops:
   In a pan, heat a little vanilla butter over medium heat. Add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden and slightly translucent in the center. Squeeze lemon juice over them while cooking.

4. Plating:
   Arrange the scallops on warm plates. Drizzle with vanilla butter and garnish with lemon zest.

Squid Ink Spaghetti

Ingredients

• 280 g spaghetti
• 1 teaspoon anchovy sauce (Colatura di Alici)
• 4 teaspoons lemon-infused olive oil
  (extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped garlic, and fresh herbs such as oregano, basil, or thyme)
• 1 packet of pure squid ink
• Salt, to taste

Preparation

1. Cooking the pasta:
   Bring water to a boil in a large pot, add the anchovy sauce, then drop in the spaghetti and cook until al dente.

2. Finishing the pasta:
   Remove the spaghetti just before fully cooked (about 7 minutes after boiling begins) and drain. In a pan, heat the lemon-infused olive oil over medium heat, add the spaghetti, and stir in the squid ink. Toss and stir to coat the pasta well. Adjust consistency by adding a bit of the pasta cooking water if needed.

Pumpkin Cream with Fresh Cream

Ingredients

• 1 pumpkin (about 800 g)
• 1 sweet onion (Cévennes, Vidalia, or Walla Walla)
• 750 ml vegetable broth
• 200 ml thick fresh cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients:
   Wash the pumpkin, cut it in half, and remove the seeds. Peel it and cut it into cubes. Slice the onion.

2. Cooking:
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat, add the onion, and sauté until translucent. Add the pumpkin cubes and sauté for a few minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until the pumpkin is tender.

3. Blending the soup:
   Use an immersion blender to puree everything into a smooth cream, or transfer to a blender (let it cool slightly if needed). Add the fresh cream and mix well. Adjust the consistency with a little broth if necessary.

4. Seasoning:
   Salt and pepper to taste.

Drinks to Complement Your Meal

To accompany a refined and delicate meal like Scallops with Vanilla Butter, Squid Ink Spaghetti, and Pumpkin Cream, it's essential to pair it with a drink that complements the richness of the flavors while highlighting culinary tradition. Here are some drink suggestions that could perfectly complement this menu, adding a sophisticated and balanced touch.

1. White Wines: The Traditional Choice
   The scallops with vanilla butter and squid ink spaghetti are delicate seafood dishes that call for a dry and elegant white wine. Here are a few options:

   • Chablis: A Burgundy white wine with great freshness and mineral notes that pair beautifully with vanilla butter and scallops. It won’t overpower the flavors and will add a subtle touch of acidity to balance the richness of the butter.
   • Sancerre: Made from Sauvignon Blanc, this wine is known for its liveliness and citrus aromas, which will perfectly complement the freshness of lemon and seafood, while pairing well with the sweetness of the pumpkin.
   • Pouilly-Fumé: Another Loire wine made from Sauvignon Blanc, offering smoky and fruity aromas that will enrich the tasting experience, especially with squid ink.

2. Champagne or Crémant
   A Brut Champagne or a Crémant de Loire would add a light and elegant touch to the meal. The fine bubbles and acidity of Champagne will harmonize with the silky texture of the scallops and contrast nicely with the flavors of squid ink.

   • Blanc de Blancs Champagne: A Champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay, with its light texture and citrus and white flower aromas, would be a sublime choice to pair with this menu.

3. Non-Alcoholic Drinks
   If you prefer to offer an alcohol-free alternative, there are refined options that provide a touch of freshness and sophistication without overpowering the subtle flavors of the dishes.

   • Jasmine Flower and Lemon Infusion: The lightness and floral aromas of jasmine, combined with the freshness of lemon, will pair well with the scallops and squid ink, offering a subtle and soothing note.
   • Natural Coconut Water: Its slightly sweet and refreshing taste will complement the richness of the dishes while adding an exotic touch without overpowering the flavors.
   • Apple and Ginger Juice: Fresh apple juice, with a slight ginger spice, can be a perfect option, providing natural sweetness and a little zing to balance the richer dishes.

4. Elegant Cocktails
   If you wish to offer a more elaborate drink, a cocktail made with wine or light spirits could be the perfect choice while keeping in line with French culinary elegance.

   • Kir Royal: A cocktail made with Champagne and Crème de Cassis. The sweetness of cassis will balance well with the acidity of Champagne and subtly complement the scallops.
   • Lemon and Rosemary Gin Tonic: A simple yet elegant cocktail, where gin, with its herbal aromas, is balanced by lemon and rosemary, creating a fragrance that harmonizes with the squid ink and pumpkin.

Conclusion

When it comes to drinks, the goal is to complement the flavors of the dishes without overshadowing them. A dry white wine, Champagne, or even a delicate non-alcoholic infusion can truly elevate the tasting experience of this menu. The key is to balance the sweet, salty, and acidic elements while respecting the richness and lightness of the recipes.

Bon appétit!
These delicious and comforting recipes are perfect for impressing your guests or for a cozy meal.