Scallop Gratin

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons melted butter, or as needed, divided
• 1/4 cup creme fraiche
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1 pinch kosher salt, or to taste
• 8 dry-pack sea scallops
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
• 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Brush 2 small gratin dishes with 1 tablespoon melted butter.

Whisk creme fraiche, white wine, lemon zest, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt together in a bowl until sauce is smooth. Place scallops in sauce and toss to coat; let sit until flavors begin to blend, about 5 minutes. Divide scallops between prepared gratin dishes and pour remaining creme fraiche sauce over the top. Top with tarragon and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle remaining butter over the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 4 minutes. Increase oven setting to broil and continue cooking until scallops are golden brown, slightly springy, and opaque, 2 to 4 minutes more.