Scallops with Saffron Leek Sauce - Waterfront Seafood

Ingredients

• ½ tsp saffron threads
• ¼ cup hot water
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 large leeks, halved lengthwise, cleaned well and thinly sliced across
• 2/3 cup dry vermouth
• 3 tsp tomato paste
• 1 cup whipping cream
• ½ tsp grated fresh ginger root
• 1 tsp salt, divided
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup 2% milk
• ¼ tsp white pepper
• 1 lb sea scallops