Dinner in Ten Minutes

This was my dinner tonight. It took ten minutes total from turning on the burner to sitting down at the table (o.k., that's a lie: sitting down in front of the t.v.). Want the recipe? Sure, no problem (although actual chefs may want to quit reading now).

• Heat olive oil and butter in saute pan on medium-high heat. Should you happen to have a small minced shallot on hand, throw that in--I didn't tonight, and life was still worth living.
• Pat large scallops dry, season with salt and pepper and place in hot pan for about 3 minutes. 
• Cook thin spears of asparagus ever-so-briefly in the microwave. 
• Turn scallops over and sear on second side for 2 minutes max. 
• Use this time to pour yourself a glass of wine. 
• Remove scallops to hot plate. Add about 2 tablespoons of vermouth or white wine and 1 tablespoon of butter to hot pan, cooking a minute or two until liquid is reduced and syrupy. Note: this is where people who like lemon (not me) add some. Pour sauce over scallops. 
• Eat. If you're like me, have a second glass of wine. If you're a boy, serve with a hot, crusty  roll and butter.
• Later: wish you had thought to buy cookies for dessert.

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