National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day

Coquilles Saint Jacques is a classic French dish that consists of scallops cooked in a creamy sauce and served in a scallop shell. The name "Coquilles Saint Jacques" translates to "Scallops Saint James," and the dish is named after Saint James the Apostle, the patron saint of pilgrims. The scallop shell is often used as a symbol of Saint James, as it represents the scallop shell that was used as a drinking vessel by pilgrims on their way to visit the saint's shrine in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. To make Coquilles Saint Jacques, scallops are first seared in butter and then simmered in a white wine and cream sauce with shallots, garlic, and herbs. The scallops are then placed back into their shells, topped with the sauce, and finished with a breadcrumb and cheese topping before being baked in the oven. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that is often served as an appetizer or a main course in French cuisine.