Scallop and Fennel Pancakes with Mustard Sauce

Preparation

1. For Sauce:

   Step 1

   Boil fish stock, dry white wine, mustard seeds and saffron threads in heavy small saucepan until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 20 minutes. Whisk cream and mustard. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

2. For Pancakes:

   Step 2

   Whisk eggs and flour in large bowl to blend. Stir in chopped fennel bulb, milk, chives, shallot, 2 teaspoons chopped tarragon and fennel seeds. Season generously with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Let stand 1 hour at room temperature before using.)

   Step 3

   Preheat oven to 250°F. Pour thin film of oil into heavy large skillet and heat over medium heat. Working in batches, drop batter by scant 1/4 cups into skillet and cook until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to cookie sheet. Keep warm in oven.

   Step 4

   Add scallops to same skillet. Season with salt and pepper and sauté until cooked through, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Bring sauce to simmer in heavy small saucepan; whisk in butter and 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3. Step 5

   Spoon some sauce onto each plate. Top with pancake, then scallops. Drizzle more sauce over. Garnish with tarragon sprigs if desired and serve.