SCALLOPS WITH POTATO PANCAKES WITH CAVIAR SAUCE

Steps:

• PREPARE THE PANCAKES:.
• Coarsely shred the potatoes and squeeze out any excess liquid.
• Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the egg, matzo meal, onion and a large pinch of salt.
• Shape the mixture into 20 scallop-size cakes, about 1/2 inch thick; press the cakes to compress them.
• In a large skillet, heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil until shimmering.
• Working in batches, fry the pancakes over moderately high heat until browned and crisp, about 3 minutes per side.
• Lower the heat if the pancakes brown too quickly and add more oil if necessary.
• Transfer the pancakes to a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt.
• PREPARE THE SCALLOPS & CAVIAR SAUCE:.
• Preheat the oven to 325°F
• In a small saucepan, combine the Champagne with the peppercorns, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, shallot and lemon juice and boil over high heat until reduced to 1 tablespoon, about 15 minutes.
• Strain the sauce into another small saucepan.
• Stir in the creme fraiche and bring to a simmer over moderate heat.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the softened butter, 1 tablespoon at a time.
• Stir in the caviar and season lightly with salt.
• Cover the sauce and keep it warm.
• Wipe out the skillet and heat 1/4 inch of oil in it until shimmering.
• Season the scallops with salt and add half of them to the skillet.
• Cook over high heat until richly browned, about 1 1/2 minutes per side.
• Transfer to a plate and keep warm while you cook the remaining scallops.
• Rewarm the potato pancakes in the oven.
• Arrange the pancakes on a platter and set a scallop on each one.
• Add the chives to the caviar butter sauce and spoon over the scallops.
• Serve right away.
• MAKE AHEAD:*.
• The pancakes and caviar sauce can stand at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Rewarm the caviar sauce over low heat, stirring constantly.