Recipe: Capesante alla Triestina (Broiled Scallops & Oysters with Watercress)

Capesante alla Triestina (Broiled Scallops and Oysters with Watercress)
Serves 2 as a main course or 4 as an antipasto

12 blue point or other large oysters, shucked, shells reserved
12 sea scallops
2 1/2 cups watercress leaves, washed and dried
1 medium yellow onion, minced
1 tablespoon minced Italian parsley
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Preheat the broiler.

Bring 1 quart of water to a boil and add the oysters and scallops. Cook 1 minute, drain, cool, and mince. Mince 1/2 cup of the watercress and add it to the oysters and scallops in a medium mixing bowl; stir in the onion, parsley, bread crumbs, butter, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and a pinch of the pepper. Divide the mixture among the oyster half shells, using the 12 smooth half-shells only. Pile the mixture high and compact it with your hand to ensure that it holds its shape. Place on an 11 X 17-inch baking sheet 10 inches from the heating element and broil in the preheated oven 7 to 10 minutes, or until browned on top.

Meanwhile, toss the remaining 2 cups of watercress with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pinch of pepper in a bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and divide among 2 or 4 plates, depending on whether you are serving the dish as a main course or antipasto. Top the watercress with the oyster half-shells and serve immediately.

PREPARATION TIPS: Fill and refrigerate the oyster half-shells on the baking sheet up to 12 hours before broiling.