Bay scallops gratin

(for two portions, obviously)

1 shallot (or half of a really big one. Could sub onions, leeks), chopped fine
1/2 pound bay scallops
about 1/3 of a can of diced tomatoes, drained
two good handfuls of crackers, crushed -- use crackers that you LIKE. I don't usually even have saltines in the house, but if you like them, OK. These were a savory snack cracker.
parmesan or peccorino cheese (or your choice)
leftover baby spinach from last night or any other leftover cooked green veg, if you wish.

I happen to have individual size ceramic gratin dishes (four inches across), but you could use one slightly larger one or a small casserole dish. If you were lucky enough to buy scallops with the shells, the (clean) shells can be your baking dish, or so I'm told.

Preheat oven to 350.
In a skillet, sweat the shallot. Add the tomatoes to thoroughly heat. Salt and pepper, and any other seasoning you feel like. I kept this pretty simple.

If you haven't already, put the crackers in a zipper plastic bag and go medieval on them. I like to use a rolling pin or an empty wine bottle.

Grate or sliver the cheese.

Turn off the heat and toss in the scallops, just to introduce them to everybody.

Put the spinach or whatever in the gratin dishes or small casserole. Spoon in the scallop mixture. put a handful of crumbs on each. Put the cheese on top. Into the oven they go.

Time will depend on the size of the dishes, but watch 'em. The scallops cook really fast, so by the time the cheese and crumbs have browned as much as you want (note that parmesan doesn't really melt, but it does turn brown and crispy; don't let it burn), they're done.

I garnished with a wee bit of basil, which tastes great stirred in with the tomato.

I also added, at the last minute, a dash of smoked paprika.

The little baskets came with the gratin dishes. Aren't they cute? They also are good insulation, because the dishes will be hot! In fact, you could let them sit long enough to eat a salad and the scallops will still be hot.

You could start by frying a piece or two of bacon and and adding the shallots and tomatoes to that. I am trying to be good. But that would taste great!