The Colour of Love Part 1 - bloody marry scallop carpaccio

If ... red roses are not your cup of tea ... express your love on Valentine's Day discreetly with a dinner that hints at romance in the most delicious way...

Recipes --> bloody mary scallop carpaccio (2 servings)

Scallops' reputation as an aphrodisiac makes them a favourite food for love,  here paired with a red cocktail sauce based on the famous Bloody Mary Cocktail. 

Bloody Mary Sauce :

1 red capsicum, roasted, peelee and seeded  

1 ripe tomato, peelee and seeded

1 dash Tabasco sauce 

salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 

vodka to taste (optional)

4-5 sashimi-grade scallops, sliced to about 2.5mm thick and chilled salt and freshly ground pepper to taste extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling 

1/2 lime, zest for grating  

1 teaspoon finely chopped chive 

To Prepare Saurce :

Mix all the ingredients in a food processor to a smooth puree. Transfer to a bowl, wrap with cling filmand keep refrigerated

To Finish :

Arrange the scallop slices in the centre of a plate. (refrigerate,wrapped in cling film, if not serving immediately) Season to taste with salt and pepper. Drizzle with Bloody Mary sauce and olive oil, and grate the lime zest over the scallops. Finish with a sprinkling of chopped chives. Serve very cold.