340gramsmedium sized shrimpabout 16, peeled and deveined
340gramssmall scallops
2tbspolive oil
1smallsmall oniondiced
1 cupmushroomssliced
salt and pepperto taste
1/4cupwhite wine
handful freshly chopped parsley
For assembling:
3/4cupshredded mozzarella cheeseor gruyère if you prefer
Instructions
In a medium sized sauce pan, place potatoes and cover with water. Bring to a boil, add salt then lower to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender.
Prepare the bechamel sauce:
In a small sauce melt the butter on medium heat. Add the flour and stir with a whisk until a paste is formed. Gradually whisk in the milk, stir and bring to a boil. Cook until the sauce is has thickened.
Prepare the seafood filling:
Meanwhile, rinse the shrimp and scallops. Drain well and pat dry.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium heat. Add onions and sauté until softened. Add mushrooms and cook until they have released their water and it has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
Add shrimp, scallops and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Pour in white wine and cook until it has evaporated. At this point, drain the seafood if there is a lot of liquid in the pan. Tranfer seafood to a bowl.
Pour the sauce over the seafood and stir to combine. Stir in chopped parsley.
Assemble:
Preheat oven at 350°F. Divide the seafood among 4 scallop shells placed on a baking sheet.
When the potatoes have cooked, mash them as desired with milk, butter or olive oil and salt. Place the potatoes in a pastry bag with star tip or in a freezer bag with the tip snipped off. Pipe the potatoes around the seafood filling.
Top each shell with shredded mozzarella.
Bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling. If desired, at the end of cooking time broil for a minute or two to brown the cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
Gruyère cheese can be substitued for the mozzarella in this recipe.If you don't have scallop shells, ramekins may be substitued. Another alternative is to bake the entire recipe in a casserole dish and serve buffet style.The seafood mixture and bechamel sauce can be prepared and refrigerated a day ahead. On the day of serving, prepare the mashed potatoes and assemble just before baking.Coquilles St-Jacques can be frozen once assembled but prior to baking. Defrost in the refrigerator the night before baking.