1 1/2 teaspoons Pernod or other aniseflavored liqueur (optional)
8 large sea scallops, patted dry
1 small head of butter lettuce, leaves separated
Directions
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in small skillet over medium heat. Add shallots; sauté 3 minutes. Add wine; boil until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add cream, 3 teaspoons tarragon, and Pernod, if using. Simmer until sauce coats back of spoon, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper; cook until brown and almost cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer scallops to plate. Add lettuce to drippings in skillet; toss until beginning to wilt, about 1 minute. Spoon sauce onto 2 plates; divide lettuce between plates. Place 4 scallops on each plate; sprinkle with remaining 1 teaspoon tarragon.
