Seared Sea Scallops in a Vodka Leek Sauce

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons sweet butter
• 16 large sea scallops
• 2 leeks (white part only), cleaned, trimmed and diced
• 1/2 cup vodka
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a sauté pan until sizzling.
2. Add scallops and sear quickly, about 1 minute, leaving the center of the scallop undercooked. Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside.
3. Reduce the heat and add the leeks to the pan, sautéing until softened, 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the vodka and return scallops to the pan.
5. Cook until vodka is reduced, 1-2 minutes.
6. Add the remaining butter, 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce has thickened.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.