Scallops Au Gratin

By nurseliz

Ingredients

• 2-2 1/2 lb fresh or frozen raw scallops
• 2 c fine bread crumbs, divided
• 4 tbsp melted butter, divided
• 3/4 c diced green pepper
• 3/4 c diced celery
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 c grated Cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 light cream or half-and-half

Preparation

Step 1

Barely cover scallops with cold water in a saucepan and bring then slowly to the boiling point. Remove from the heat and drain. Preheat oven to 350.
Mix 1 1/2 c of bread crumbs with 2 tbsp of the melted butter. Divide the mixture into thirds, and spread one-third in a thin layer in a buttered freezer-to-oven casserole.
If scallops are large, they may be cut into smaller pieces. Build up alternating layers of bread crumbs, scallops, and green pepper combined with celery, seasoning lightly as you go. Create the top layer out of the remaining bread crumbs mixed with the remaining butter and all the grated cheese.
Slowly pour in the crean or half-and-half. distributing it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes.