Seashore Shells

My pal Barbara recently asked me for a seafood recipe to fill vol-au-vent cases. Vol-au-vent is a French term meaning “light as air,” and (as long as they aren’t over-baked) these light-as-air puff pastry shells are, indeed, exactly that. I’d never fuss and frustrate myself trying to make my own vol-au-vents, but I’m quite happy to make my own fillings - a simple enough job. Unless you like your puff pastry cases soggy, don’t fill them in advance. Upcoming holiday note: These shells are also excellent with chunked, leftover turkey and a handful of frozen vegetables.

Seashore Shells:

12 frozen vol-au-vents (puff pastry shells), baked as package directs

12 oz. (340 g) large, firm scallops, fresh or frozen

12 oz. (340 g) small-to-medium shrimp, fresh or frozen

1 c. (250 mL) dry white wine, divided

1/2 c. (125 mL) cold water

Dash cayenne pepper

Dash salt

1 tbsp. (15 mL) butter

1/2 c. (125 mL) sliced fresh mushrooms

1 green onion, diced fine

4 oz. (115 g) grated Swiss cheese

One 10 fl. oz. (285 mL) can condensed cream of shrimp or chicken soup 

1/4-to-1/2 c. (60-to-125 mL) light cream, as needed

Using a grapefruit knife or spoon, gently scrape away inner portion of baked puff pastry shells without piercing bottom or sides . Reserve tops and set shells aside. 

Simmer scallops gently in 1/2 c. (125 mL) wine, water, cayenne, and salt about 5 min., or until scallops are white but remain tender. Discard liquid. Quarter scallops into bite-sized pieces. 

In medium skillet, melt butter on medium-high heat until sizzling. Add mushrooms and onion; sauté until tender. Lower heat to medium. Stir in condensed soup, mixing well. When soup begins to bubble, gradully stir in cheese. Add remaining wine and cream. Gently stir scallops and shrimp into sauce, simmering 2 or 3 min., just until heated through. Spoon into baked shells, 2 vol-au-vents (puff pastry shells) per person. Finish with puff pastry tops, serving at once. Yields 6 servings.

Note: It’s always a good idea to bake a couple of extra shells, in the event that disaster strikes and one or two break.