Seared Scallops with Lemon Dill Vinaigrette, Angel Hair with Fresh Tomato basil sauce.

Last night after seeing the movie Julie and Julia, I was inspired to go home and cook. This was the result.

For this night's meal I had an able sous chef for slicing and dicing. The timing of a meal like this is challenging. Scallops can go from tender and wonderful to rubber in just a minute. Serving it all hot and just right takes some thought before starting. It's worth the extra planning time.

3-4 good size sea scallops per person.
2-3 tbsp vegetable oil

Vinaigrette (enough for 4 portions)
3 Tbsp Lemon Olive Oil
1.5 tbsp White Wine Vinegar
1 small shallot minced
Lemon Zest from 1/2 lemon
1/2 tbsp chopped Fresh dill
Salt and Pepper to taste.

Pasta Sauce

3 (per serving)Roma tomatoes seeded and chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
Splash of dry white wine
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 cup fresh basil chiffonade
Small pat of butter

1. Combine vinaigrette ingredients mix thoroughly, set aside.
2. Melt butter in med pan, and stir garlic. Saute 3-4 minutes.
3. Boil water for the pasta. Angel Hair will take about 4-6 minutes, time accordingly.
4. Add tomatoes stir and allow to simmer. 10 minutes, add oil, and basalmic, wine, oregano and simmer on low heat. Salt and pepper to taste
5. Heat vegetable in saute pan, until hot.
6. Pat scallops dry to aid browning.
7. Place scallops in pan, about 4 minutes until well browned on one side. Turn and saute 2 more minutes. Removed from pan. (Scallops will continue to cook after removing from pan. This method will create perfectly done scallops)
8. Heat the vinaigrette in the microwave to warm.
9. Plate the scallops and drizzle with warm vinaigrette, garnish with fresh dill.
10. Plate pasta, and cover with sauce and garnish with fresh basil. Add Parmesan if desired.

I served roasted asparagus with this.

Snap or cut the ends. Peel the lower half of the stalks. Place in shallow roasting pan, coat lightly with live oil and salt and pepper to taste. Place in oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. (will vary by the size of the stalks) This is my favorite way to make asparagus.