Seafood Gratin

Recipe ingredients

-4 Tbsp. (60 mL) butter*, divided
-2 cups (500 mL) sliced mushrooms
-1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
-1 1/4 lb (625 g) large fresh or defrosted shrimp, peeled and deveined
-1 1/4 lb (625 g) fresh or defrosted scallops
-or 2 x 340 g Irresistibles shrimps & scallops*
-1 cup (250 mL) dry white wine
-1/4 tsp. (1 mL) crushed dried thyme
-3 Tbsp. (45 mL) flour*
-1 cup (250 mL) milk
-1 1/2 cups (375 mL) shredded Canadian Aged Cheddar, divided
-2 cups (500 mL) coarsely torn baguette or sourdough bread
-Salt and freshly ground pepper
Preparation

In a large non-stick saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp. (15 mL) butter. Add mushrooms and onion; cook, stirring, until soft. Add shrimp, scallops, wine and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes or until seafood is cooked. Drain, saving 1 cup (250 mL) of cooking liquid. Set seafood mixture aside.

In the same saucepan, melt 2 Tbsp. (30 mL) butter. Remove from heat and add flour, stirring. Gradually add milk and cooking liquid, stirring constantly. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until white sauce starts to boil and thickens.

Remove from heat, add 1 cup (250 mL) cheese and stir until cheese is melted. Add seafood mixture and stir carefully. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Melt remaining 1 Tbsp. (15 mL) butter, toss with bread and remaining 1/2 cup (125 mL) cheese. Divide seafood and sauce mixture evenly among 6 individual gratin dishes, top with cheese and bread mixture. Broil until golden.
Suggestion

Decrease quantity of seafood to 500 g (1 lb) each. In a large saucepan, melt a little butter and cook 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped green pepper and 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped celery. Add 3/4 cup (175 mL) seeded and diced tomatoes and cook until hot. Add seafood and cheese sauce and a pinch of hot pepper sauce or Cayenne. Serve over rice or pasta.

For a change of taste, try with Canadian Swiss or Gouda.

Make seafood and sauce early in the day and refrigerate. A few minutes before serving, top with cheese and bread mixture and broil.