Seared Scallops With Spinach and Bacon

Scallops are one of my favorite seafoods.  Trader Joe's and Costco always have them in their freezer case.  I thaw what I need for our dinner and keep the rest in the freezer.  I love this recipe because the scallops crisp nicely on the outside in the bacon drippings.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces Scallops, Thawed
• 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Pepper (I use Trader Joe's and grind it fresh as needed) to season the Scallops
• 1/8 teaspoon of Lemon Pepper (to finish the spinach)
• 1/2 cup Chopped Onion (or shallots if you prefer their delicate flavor)
• 3 Cloves Garlic, Sliced Thin
• 12 ounces Baby Spinach
• Lemon Wedges (optional)
• 4 Slices Center Cut Bacon

Directions:

1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium high heat (make sure skillet is capable of high heat -like a cast iron skillet)
2. Remove bacon from pan reserving 1 teaspoon drippings in the pan.
3. Coarsely chop the bacon and set it aside
4. Increase heat to high
5. Pat scallops dry with paper towels.  Sprinkle scallops evenly on both sides with the 1/2 teaspoon of lemon pepper.
6. Add scallops to the pan drippings and cook 2-3 minutes on each side, until done.
7. Remove scallops to a plate and keep warm
8. Reduce heat to medium high.  Add onions and garlic and sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring often.
9. Add half of spinach, stir and cook or 1 minute.  Add remainder of the spinach, stir to combine and cook, stirring frequently for about w minutes, just until wilted.
10. Remove from heat, stir in the 1/8 teaspoon of lemon pepper, divide into two bowls, add the scallops and bacon and serve.
11. Serve with lemon wedges if desired

Nutrition:  Makes 2 servings, each with approximately

• 213 calories and
• 30 grams protein