Rappie Pie

This recipe is an adaptation of a very traditional Acadian dish, also known as pâte à la râpure (grated pie).

Preheat the oven to 400°. Butter a medium glass or ceramic baking dish. Coarsely grate the potatoes and transfer to a coarse stainless-steel sieve. Using a spatula, press on the potatoes to extract as much liquid as possible.
In a skillet, cook the potatoes in the stock over moderate heat until thick, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in half of the onions, a large pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of thyme and the cayenne.
Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium skillet. Add the remaining onions and 1/2 teaspoon of thyme and cook over low heat until the onions soften, about 8 minutes. Add the reserved clam liquid and boil over high heat until reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool, then stir in the clams and scallops and season with salt and pepper.
Spread half of the potatoes in a layer in the prepared baking dish. Spread the onions, clams and scallops on top, then cover with the remaining potatoes. Dot the top of the pie with the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and bake for 45 minutes, until bubbling hot. Preheat the broiler. Broil for 3 minutes, or until browned and crisp on top. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.