March 12th is National Baked Scallops Day #BakedScallopsDay. As a parent I believe when we make a mistake or don’t know something we should let our children know. Because we can only get better by working together.
When I found out March 12th was National Baked Scallops Day #BakedScallopsDay I asked David and Charlie if they knew what Scallops was and like me they didn’t. I have a question for you. Do you know what Scallops are:
Have you or your family ever had Scallops? If not I’ve shared a recipe for Baked Scallops at the end of the post. If your #Homeschooling your children you could share what Scallops are with them. Then make Scallops as a family. Before you ask if my family is going to make Baked Scallops no, because I don’t think any of us would eat them and I hate wasting food.
I wish you the best on National Baked Scallops Day March 12th if you decide to celebrate it this year and remember it happens every year. Scallops can be deep-fried, sauteed, or baked . The question today is how do you like your Scallops? T
Scallops are a form of Seafood and Scallops are a crowd pleaser both at home and in restaurants everywhere. For good reasons. Scallops are delicious, low in fat, and taste great with all kinds of side dishes.
Scallops can be sauteed in Butter which would make hearts flutter. But you know what’s even better? Baked Scallops. which should be crispy golden on the outside. Tender bites on the inside. Utter dinner satisfaction!
Here is a tip for you few things can compare to the sweet, rich taste of scallops. Scallops are easily one of America’s favorite Seafood dishes today. But you’ll be surprised to know that this wasn’t always the case when it came to Scallops.
In the 17th Century, people in America didn’t like the flavor of Scallop Meat. Its oddly sweet taste was unappealing to the general palate back then. Fishing communities in the Northern Atlantic preferred Oysters, Lobster, and Clams over Scallops. Although people harvested Wild Atlantic Scallops for food, their shells were far more appealing, not the Meat.
Tastes evolved with time, and Scallops began receiving more appreciation in the U.S. by the 19th Century. The earliest written recipe for Scallops was published in “Miss Beecher’s Domestic Receipt Book” in 1846. The recipe called for lightly Stewing or Sauteing Scallops. Stewing Scallops doesn’t sound to appetizing does it?
In the decades that followed, Scallop recipes and dishes were everywhere. Recipe experimentation called for frying, stuffing, pickling, and steaming Scallops. However, the versatile, easy-to-cook Scallop lent itself well to most cooking methods. By the 1930s, Scallops were an inseparable part of the U.S. diet. Expectedly, they were a favorite of the people in Coastal Cities and Towns. Delicious Fried Scallops at Seaside shacks became regular fare.
Scallops soon began featuring in menus of French restaurants by the mid-20th Century. Around this time, the Coquille St. Jacques found a massive fan following in fine dining restaurants across America. The dish combines Scallops in its Shell with Butter, Shallots, Herbs, Cream, and Cheese.
A fine-dining Seafood restaurant without Scallops seems almost inconceivable today. Every establishment has its own take including Provencal, Pan-Seared, or even Ceviche. But baking Scallops are an excellent way to elevate this Shellfish at home. So if you’re in the mood for a fancy dinner with none of the hassles, Baked Scallops are the way to go.
National Baked Scallops Day Activities
- Take a trip down to the Fish Market or Wharf if you live near the Sea. It’s a trip that can offer rich insight and perspective into where our food comes from. Shop some fresh produce and come back with a renewed appreciation for food.
- On National Baked Scallops Day, show your local restaurants some extra love. Make a beeline to your favorite Clam Shack or Restaurant, and go all out!
Important Facts About Mussels
- Mussels have beards or ‘byssus’ which help secure them to solid surfaces where they continue growing.
- A single Mussel removes sediment and phytoplankton from 5.2 gallons of Seawater each day.
- Mussels contain more iron than Steak and keep us fuller for longer.
- Mussels that don’t open during cooking aren’t off they just have stronger adductor Muscles.
- Female Mussels are orange, whereas male Mussels are creamy white.
Why People Love National Baked Scallops Day
National Baked Scallops give us an excuse to visit the Sea because some of us won’t end up cooking, no matter how hard we try. Today is perfect for a long overdue trip to a favorite Seaside Shack.
Scallops are not only delicious but also a good sustainable choice. Scallops are native to most environments and can be one of the most sustainable Seafood purchases you make. We suggest researching Scallop farming in your area so you can make informed decisions.
There’s no time like the present to stay committed to eating healthy. Scallops are nutritious and super easy to cook. So we’re reaffirming those healthy eating goals on National Baked Scallops Day by asking you to try Baked Scallops with your friends and family.
Recipe for Baked Scallops
Original recipe yields 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 ½ pounds bay scallops, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
Directions
- Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Pour melted butter into a 2-quart oval casserole dish; add scallops and spread to form an even layer.
- Mix bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and parsley together in a small bowl: sprinkle over the scallops.
- Bake scallops in the preheated oven until firm, about 20 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
