Scenes from a Weekend with Scallops and Lady Apples

The cold weather finally arrived this weekend. Everyone was talking about it on the street, at school, at the market… All waiting anxiously for Saturday morning when temperatures were supposed to drop into the 50’s.

We woke up earlier than usual that morning and ran downstairs to open all the windows. J’s face spoke a thousand words. “Does this mean it is going to snow?”.

It was a beautiful weekend indeed. Some of my favorite kinds of days. Sunshine, bright blue skies with a chilly breeze. Jacket required. We spent the weekend thinking of ways to be outside. The park, the beach, walks around the neighborhood… and ways to cook comfort food.

I phoned my mom to ask her what she had made for lunch that day. “Sardines”, she said. “They looked beautiful at the market”. I suddenly wanted to run to the fishmonger and grab my hands on handful of glittering, fresh sardines. The smell of grilled sardines is just engraved in my brain.

Unfortunately, fresh sardines are a rare commodity around here. The few times I have seen them, they have looked rather sad and have traveled just too far to be any good. But I did spot some good looking scallops and thought they would be perfect simply prepared with a crust of breadcrumbs, herbs and bacon.

I found the first lady apples of the season, which reminded me how time flies. It seems like it was yesterday when my mom was holding a bowl of lady apples for me to photograph. It was right after M. was born. Our little M… she will turn a year in a few days. Hard to believe.

Lady apples are so delicious as they are. Crunchy when raw. The perfect compliment for the creamy coconut rice pudding I made. You know how much I love arroz con leche in all its variations, like this and this. This time however, I went for a quick and easy version that didn’t require standing next to the pot for over an hour. Quickly cooked the rice and mixed it with coconut milk, whole milk, vanilla bean and lemon zest. Warm and fresh.

I’m off to New York City tomorrow where more cold weather awaits me. I love the city. I will be hard at work, but will definitely make time to eat and some play. Yes, please.

Roasted Scallops with Breadcrumbs and Bacon

makes 4 servings

12 scallops
1/4 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
2 Tbs fresh parsley, chopped
2 garlic cloves, grated or finely minced
3 Tbs olive oil
4 slices of bacon, finely chopped
pinch salt
pinch of freshly ground pepper
1 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
2 Tbs white wine

In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, bacon and olive oil. Salt and pepper the scallops. Drizzle some olive oil on a baking dish and place the scallops on it. Top with the breadcrumbs mixture and drizzle some more olive oil on top. Pour the white wine in the baking dish.

Bake at 425F. Time will vary depending on the size.

Coconut Rice Pudding with Lady Apples

makes 4 servings

1/2 cup (100 grams) arborio rice
1 cup (225 ml) water
1 cup (225 ml) coconut milk
1 cup (225 ml) whole milk
1/4 cup (50 grams) natural cane sugar
1 vanilla bean, split and seeded
Zest of half a lemon
pinch of salt
lady apples, thinly sliced
pistachios, chopped
brown sugar for topping

In a small saucepan, combine the rice and water and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes until water is absorbed by the rice. Add the coconut milk, whole milk, sugar, vanilla bean, lemon zest and salt. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes until it thickens.

Serve the rice pudding lukewarm with the apples, pistachios and brown sugar.


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79 Responses to “Scenes from a Weekend with Scallops and Lady Apples”

  1. Anonymous says:

    Que rica esta…ya anda!!(mi primer baby llegara en enero…:D)
    Mmm tengo que probar ese arroz!

    y que fotos….

    bso Carmen Zh

  2. How can she be turning one already? Where does the time go.

    I love that you talk to your mom about what you’re eating.

    I can’t wait to try the rice pudding.

  3. Gorgeous scenes and awesome food! Those scallops looks beautiful.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  4. Caffettiera says:

    Also here this morning, the air smelled like snow, but it was all grey and sad. I wish there were crispy mornings also here!
    I miss sardines as well, they are so small and delicate they cannot wait more than a few hours. But when they are fresh they are possibly my favourite fish, also because this usually means I’m very close to my beloved sea.

  5. En España también han bajado las temperaturas y se necesita el abrigo pero los árboles están tan bonitos que, al igual que vuestro fin de semana, apetece pasar tiempo fuera de casa y dentro cocinando cosas calentitas. Buena suerte en NY, estoy deseando ya que nos cuentes. Un beso, Marta

  6. The sliced apples on the rice pudding are incredible beautiful. I can’t believe how tiny they are.

  7. Angharad says:

    I want that coconut rice pudding in my life! I’ve been on the look out for a rice pudding recipe. My husband isn’t a coconut fan though, I wonder if I can dupe him…

  8. Sara says:

    My goodness, I can’t believe she’s turning one already! They are both beyond adorable.

  9. Reading your blog always makes me feel so comfortable! It´s simply beautiful.

  10. Nathalie says:

    You’ve got such adorable kids! So cute!

    Thanks for the rice recipe. In Southeast Asia, we also make rice and coconut milk pudding, but we use sticky rice. Sometimes we wrap individual servings it in banana leaves and eat it plain or with mangoes. Would love to try making it your way, with your toppings. =)

  11. lucy says:

    che dolcezza dietro la ricetta e le foto di questo post!!!

  12. Lady apples look so sweet in little kids hands, don’t they? And I love how you caught that sleepy expression. Just perfect.

  13. angie says:

    ah these two look amazingly yummy!

  14. zielenina says:

    I don’t like sweet versions of rice but that pudding looks so delicious that I might make one :)

  15. Iratxe says:

    ¡Este arroz con leche se ve delicioso!, nunca se me hubiese ocurrido agregarle coconut milk. Me encanta el coco. Me gustaría saber si el coconut milk es diluido (es que tengo una lata al 55%). ¡Qué hermsoso niños!. Un abrazo.

  16. I love rice pudding to begin with, but coconut milk rice pudding sounds positively ethereal!! Beautiful post, as per usual. And yes…it has gotten quite chilly here in NYC. Bundle up!

  17. Kocinera says:

    Those little apples are too cute!! Your version of rice pudding sounds so wonderful and fresh. I seriously want to make some of that stuff–the only rice pudding I’ve ever tried has been from the grocery store. Yikes! :D

  18. Oh yum! Whenever I read your blog I always feel like I’m flipping through a magazine. So thoughtful and incredibly beautiful.

  19. Such a stunningly beautiful post as always! In Finland we make rice porridge which is a bit like this rice pudding you’ve made and it’s delicious!

  20. In all the years I’ve been making scallops I’ve never thought to roast them with bread crumbs, let alone laced with bacon. I can’t wait to try this recipe.

    I agree about the sardines, I bought them once, having traveled from a far away land. They were not good. In fact, I had better luck with them from a can: though I’m usually a fresh gal, Cole’s does GREAT canned sardines.

  21. pictures are just lovely! beatiful presentation of food!

  22. El arroz con leche siempre lo he comido igual, que bien ver otras variaciones!
    Buen viaje!

  23. luisa says:

    Una entrada muy bonita y rica. Y unas fotos estupendas como sp. Aqui en España tb empieza el frio aunque en la Costa del Sol poco. Bss

  24. Tash says:

    wonderful photos and inspiring recipes! I can’t wait to make the coconut rice pudding!

  25. Thank you for a quicker arroz von leche recipe. I love arroz von leche, but sometimes one hour cooking and standing next to the oven stops me from cooking it. I will try your recipe tomorrow.
    And I have to add (as always, that your photos are amazing!

  26. Gen says:

    Superbe! Et les petites pommes, trop mignonnes!

  27. Iratxe- la leche de coco que utilizo yo no esta diluida. es espesa como la nata.

    Thank you everyone!

  28. Judith says:

    a ver si me animo con tu variedad de arroz con leche! besos

  29. Mglòria says:

    Absolutamente maravilloso, como todo lo que creas.
    Las fotos, los platos, la decoración, los adornos, la siempre presencia de hierbas frescas, tus adorables niños… TODO!
    Para mi eres una referencia en el buen gusto, alguien de quien aprender.
    Te invito a conocer mi blog, y entenderas porque quiero aprender de ti.
    Mglòria de Gourmenderies

  30. Those little apples are almost as adorable as your kids! And the rice pudding looks awesome.

  31. i am going through an absolute seafood obsession at the moment. your photography is always so beautiful and mouthwatering; makes me want to jump in the ocean and scoop some seafoody delight for my dinner.

  32. Fragolina says:

    I love cold weathers, makes me wanna stay home having a warm meal with family, feeling cosy. Your pictures are so beautiful. Your kids are so cute.

  33. Sally says:

    I LOVE scallops!

    They look amazing… so jealous!

  34. Shane says:

    I’ve seen and read your entire post about your recipe with scallops and lady apples. The images looks so delicious. I love your presentation with the scallops and everything. However, is it true that apple seeds are poisonous? Do you have an idea? Kindly advise, thanks!

  35. Nicole says:

    Mmmmmm, rice pudding is one of my ultimate comfort foods and coconut must lend a nice smooth sweetness to it. I will be trying this! Happy Birthday to M. and congratulations to you too.

  36. Anushruti says:

    Time really does fly! The pudding looks gorgeous!

  37. crustabakes says:

    gorgeous gorgeous pictures! i love themmm!

  38. katie kirby says:

    Rice pudding looks delicious!

  39. Isn’t apple season so thrilling? I love that I can smell them just as they sit in a bowl. They are so fragrant and delicious these days.

  40. Pippa says:

    I can NOT believe your little M is almost a year old already and walking about like a little lady! It feels like only a few days ago she came into the world. Beautiful photos as always!

  41. a. maren says:

    such beautiful photos and food! i have been wanting to try my hand at scallops for a long time, and this looks like a great way to start. thank you. enjoy new york.

    http://www.icyviolets.blogspot.com

  42. Michelle says:

    Aran,
    Not only do I love your photos and sweet, thoughtful writing…but I also LOVE that you put pistachios on every other thing. My husband often mocks (lovingly, of course) my use of pistachios and pistachio oil. I’ll be happy to point him to your blog so that he can see I’m not the only one!

  43. How delicious and beautiful. It has been nice to enjoy those beautiful, crisp days. Snow seems just around the corner here in New York, also – the south shore of Long Island saw some yesterday; we’re still holding out on the North Fork. Safe travels.

  44. Yum :) The scallops look wonderful. Great photos too, love it to bits.

  45. Margaret M. says:

    Do you use pre-made gluten free breadcrumbs?
    If you do, is there a brand you prefer?

  46. morgana says:

    Qué guapísima y riquísima está la niña, por favor. Dan ganas de comérsela, está preciosa ¡¡¡ y ya anda !!!

    Madre mía cómo pasa el tiempo…

    Besos.

  47. Margaret- I actually make them myself with Udi’s bread. Dry it in the oven and then pulse it in the food processor. I’ve bought Glutino breadcrumbs before also but I prefer the ones I make at home. And I love Udi’s bread!

    Thanks all!

  48. Those scallops look divine. Before reading though, I thought they were peeled lady apples! Welcome to New York.

  49. You’re blog is absolutely stunning. Both its word and photo content. I am jealous of your family photo albums!! The scallop dish looks delicious…:)

  50. Lizzy says:

    Must say that the apples look amazing and who can resist scallops that are as crunchy as those you’ve made…

  51. Beautiful photos… love the contrast against the damask blue napkin..

  52. wow a year already, blogs are so funny, we watch everyone’s lives, or children, grow up and never even meet them! it is strange to be in the southern hemisphere now when fall and winter are bginning in the north; it’s getting so hot now that all i want are the cool fruit and popsicle recipes!

    do you ever make hominy? i just realized that this dish here in Brazil called canjica is called hominy in the US. it’s naturally gluten free, just thought i’d ask. gonna find some fruity things to do with it :) hope youre having a good time in NY.

  53. Marina says:

    I do really enjoy your food photography. Thanks for that.

  54. Verena says:

    Thanks for sharing all those wonderful recipes. I´m glad I found your blog! Your photo´s are so beautiful. What a great talent you have!

    Have a wonderful day!
    Hug´s,
    Verena

  55. Mallory- I have had hominy but haven’t really cooked or baked with it much. Will have to experiment.

    Anonymous- no the recipe is not on the blog yet.

    Thanks all. Please be patient with me as I am in away in NYC and taking longer to return your emails. Thanks!

  56. Rowaida says:

    Yummy delicious! ran your kids are sooo adorable, God bless!
    xoxo

  57. Sini says:

    Beautiful! The coconut rice pudding is screeming at me “M-A-K-E M-E!”. Well, can I resist? Nope.

    I hope you are having a memorable time in NY. I absolutely loved it last autumn. Make sure to eat the world’s best pizza at Lombardi’s! They really are out of this world.

  58. Susan Burke says:

    We *just* left NYC! What a beautiful week it has been! The weather could not have been more perfect! Sunny, cool, breezy! The kids and I went all over the place! Even Skating at Wollman Rink!! Have a wonderful time while you are there! We are happily back home in NH now!

  59. I love your site – amazing pictures, great food. thank you!!!

  60. Shuku says:

    Sunchokes! We don’t get them here in Malaysia, sadly – I miss eating them from my Virginia Beach university days! However, you’ve got me thinking; we’ve got jicamas and the texture and taste is -somewhat- approximate. I might have to experiment now…

  61. The children are adorable beyond belief. Your heart must swell with love every time you look at them.

    These scallops look amazing. Unfortunately I’ve been cooking (and eating) so many sweets lately I really need something light and healthy like this. Tomorrow I will stay away from all sugar. I really will. *smile*

  62. This post conjured up a slew of emotions. I’m not a huge fan of rice pudding but my mama in Brazil is. How I miss her. How I spend hours talking to her on the phone asking similar questions “what did you eat today?”

    I have a 4 year old son and my baby girl just turned 1. It’s fast isn’t it? So fast.

  63. david says:

    your blog is the best. At one, an angel!

  64. Mayo says:

    These scallops look so amazing. Did your son eat them? If he did, I am very impressed that you are able to get him to try such sophisticated food. Did you know that kids who help cook in the kitchen are more likely to try new food? They are more aware the nutrients they are eating and therefore grow up to be healthier and have less a chance of becoming obese.

    That is why I work for the Monday Campaigns, a non profit in association with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, which promotes health initiatives. Our newest campaign is The Kids Cook Monday which encourages kids to cook and eat with their families every Monday!

    We would love for you to help spread the word about us and write a blog every Monday about your adventures in the kitchen with your son. I know he will love his time in the kitchen, I did at his age! Please visit our website http://www.mondaycampaigns.org/the-kids-cook-monday/ to learn more an email me if you are interested TheKidsCookMonday@gmail.com

    -Abby

  65. Your little angel is so adorable to look at! Your scallops are also awesome! I’ll find time to shop around the market and try to cook scallops over the weekend.

  66. Inspiring photography and styling!! I adore your style.

  67. Y says:

    What gorgeous plates of food! I love lady apples! Wish I could have brought some home with me to cook with.

  68. Yuki says:

    I’ve been tempted by your recipes time and again, but I think the roasted scallops are a must try. Only, I live in Japan, where a full-size oven– standards in US homes– isn’t a regular kitchen feature. Is it possible to make the recipe or something similar in a toaster oven or a frying pan? Or possibly a fish grill? I would appreciate any advice you could provide in converting the recipe!

    Thanks always for sharing your lovely recipes. Just reading through them is a treat in itself. :)

  69. Yuki- I haven’t tried myself but I think you could do it in the toaster oven. Does it broil? That could work. Thanks!

  70. ki kati! says:

    I haven’t visited your blog in a while, but I’m so glad I did! I moved to Uganda just under two months ago and have been looking for no bake recipes that have ingredients I can actually find in Uganda (no bake because the oven doesn’t work…). I used Ugandan vanilla and subbed the pistachios and lady apple for passion fruit, which is a common fruit here, and one of my favorites :) Thank you!

  71. Anonymous says:

    The scallops look amazing! Could you give me an estimate for cook time? Just so I have a jumping off point?

  72. This comment has been removed by the author.

  73. Cooking time will vary depending on the size. It could be anywhere between 5 to 8 minute. They should be a bit translucent in the center still. A bit under or they turn rubbery. Hope that helps.

  74. […] all of them! I think I am best at baking and desserts and so I would have to go with those. The arroz con leche recipe is definitely a […]

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