Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line a baking sheet with lightly crumpled foil (crumpling will help secure scallops in place).
2. Pat scallops dry and lightly season both sides. Set 4 clean 4-in (10 cm) scallop shells on foil-lined baking sheet. If you don’t have scallop shells, substitute 4 shallow crème brûlée ramekins.
3. In a heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat, warm canola oil. Add 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter and heat until foaming. Making sure your pan is well preheated will ensure scallops won’t stick and will form a nice crust. Add scallops to pan and sear until well browned on 1 side, about 2 minutes, then turn over and cook for another 30 seconds on other side. Set cooked scallops on a plate.
4. To same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter along with leeks and mushrooms. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until softened. Add garlic, thyme and tarragon and sauté for another 30 seconds. Pour in Crémant de Bourgogne Réserve Brut to deglaze, then add cream and simmer to reduce until slightly thickened.
5. Divide scallops, browned side up, among 4 clean scallop shells or ramekins, reserving any collected juices for Crémant Sabayon (which you can prepare while scallops are in oven, or make sabayon a few hours ahead but leave out scallop juices). Top with leek-mushroom mixture and transfer to oven. Bake until sauce from mushrooms is bubbling around edges and scallops are cooked through, about 5 minutes.
6. On a serving platter, make 4 small piles of coarse salt and carefully place shells on top. Top each with a large spoonful of Crémant Sabayon and a heaping tablespoon of Herbed Bread Crumbs.
7. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine Crémant, garlic, cayenne pepper, salt and lemon zest and juice and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
8. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring about 2-in (5 cm) water to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium.
9. In a non-reactive Pyrex or metal bowl, combine Crémant mixture with egg yolks and juices from seared scallops (if desired). Place bowl over simmering water and, whisking constantly, gently cook until mixture is foamy and thickened and holds its shape for a moment when run through with a whisk. Cover bowl and keep warm, but not hot, until ready to serve. Use within 2 hours of preparation.
10. In a small frying pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. Stir in panko and cook, stirring often, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes.
11. Transfer to a small bowl and mix well with parsley, chives and pepper. Can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.