Oyster with Scallops and Green Apple by Yves Mattagne

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 12 fresh oysters
• 4 scallops
• 1 green apple (such as Granny Smith)
• 1 lime
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Chives
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Preparation:

Preparing the oysters:

1. Open the oysters carefully. Collect the oyster water in a bowl, strain it, and set it aside.
2. Shuck the oysters and place them in their shells. Set them aside.

Preparing the scallops:

1. Remove the coral from the scallops if you want a coral-free presentation (though you can keep it for more color and flavor).
2. Slice the scallops thinly, preferably with a mandoline for uniformity.

Preparing the green apple:

1. Peel the green apple and cut it into thin strips or slices. If you want a nice visual effect, you can use a grater to create very fine julienne strips.
2. Drizzle the apple strips with a little lime juice to prevent them from browning.

Plating the dish:

1. On each oyster, place a thin slice of scallop.
2. Add some green apple strips for freshness and crunch.
3. Drizzle with a light amount of olive oil and a little lime juice to enhance the flavors.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finishing touches:

1. Garnish each oyster with some chopped chives to add color and a slight fragrance.
2. Serve immediately, accompanied by a few drops of the oyster water you reserved for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation tip: This appetizer looks stunning on a bed of crushed ice to highlight the oysters and create a very fresh visual effect.

Tasting: The oyster, with its briny freshness, pairs beautifully with the delicate sweetness of the scallop and the crunchy acidity of the green apple. This light and refined dish is perfect to begin a gastronomic meal, offering a subtle blend of textures and flavors.

Bon appétit!