Brigtsen's Scallops with Sweet Potato Purée and Onion Marmalade

Ingredients

• 12 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, cut into 1/4" pieces
• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup fresh orange juice, plus the zest of 1 orange
• ¹⁄₂ cup white wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 1 sprig thyme
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 ¹⁄₂ lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1" cubes
• ¹⁄₄ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp. maple syrup
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. large scallops (about 10–12)
• ¹⁄₄ cup Creole seasoning