Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops

Ingredients

• 24 sea scallops
• 12 pieces bacon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon essence seasoning

Sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon reserved bacon drippings
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup onion, diced fine
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/4 cups skim milk
• 6 ounces brie cheese, crumbled
• salt and pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Adjust an oven rack 6 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler. Line a broiler-pan bottom with foil and cover with the slotted broiler-pan top.

2. 2

   Slice each piece of bacon in half (you should have a total of 24 bacon pieces). Spread the bacon pieces out over four layers of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with two more layers of paper towels. Microwave on high until the bacon fat begins to melt but the bacon is still pliable, about 1 1/2 minutes.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, toss the salt, pepper, and Essence together in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the scallops.

4. 4

   Wrap a piece of microwaved bacon around the middle of each scallop and Skewer the scallops and bacon with toothpicks. Place on the broiler-pan top. Broil until the edges of the bacon are brown, spinning the broiler pan around halfway through cooking, about 3 1/2 minutes. For sauce, in medium skillet heat oil, butter, and bacon drippings to medium and saute onion for about 3 minutes until tender. Stir in flour. Heat while stirring for about 2 minutes to make roux. Pour in milk and heat until thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Reduce heat. Stir in brie and cook.