Truth be told, I’m more of a eater than a drinker. I enjoy a drink now and again, but I probably use liqueur more in recipes than in cocktails. One flavor I really love is anise or fennel and I get a good dose of it from Pernod. It just works so well with both sweet and savory dishes. Pernod is an anise flavored liqueur that became popular in France after absinthe was banned in 1915. It has the same chartreuse color and similar flavors.

Last week I posted a recipe for Fennel Shrimp on my blog that uses a bit of Pernod. Here are two more quick and easy recipes that are not only full of flavors, they are also light on calories. Thanks to Pernod Ricard USA for sharing them. Head over to the Pernod website for more recipes.

Sea Scallops Brochette with Pernod Sauce
Serves 4

16 sea scallops
2 tablespoons Pernod
4 rosemary stems
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 tablespoons light sour cream
salt and pepper

Rinse the scallops thoroughly to rid them of sand. Strain the scallops and dry them with an absorbent paper towel.

Rinse the rosemary stems and carefully thread approximately 4 scallops on each stem. Pour the olive oil into a non-stick frying pan and cook the brochettes for 2 minutes on each side. Add salt and pepper and set them aside in a dish. (Keep the dish hot.)

Deglaze the pan with Pernod and flame it. Incorporate light sour cream and adjust the seasoning.

Serve Pernod sauce with the sea scallops.

Far East Fruit Salad

2 star fruit
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
8 oz. lychees
2 tablespoons superfine sugar
8 kumquats
1 tablespoon Pernod
2 kiwi fruit
1 mango

Trim along the lengths of all the points on the star fruit, slice thinly and remove any pips with the point of a knife. Peel and stone the lychees. Slice the kumquats. Peel and slice the kiwi fruit. Peel, stone and chop the mango.

Mix together all the fruits in a bowl. Sprinkle over the lime juice, sugar and Pernod and stir well. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.—–Amy Sherman

Technorati Tags: recipe, seafood, scallops, dessert, fruit, pernod, liqueur, anise

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