"Any recommendations of sealer/coating to use to protect the wood"
@Bra B Woodoc 10 or Woodoc 2000
If it is "scorching" hot put it on a coaster or wood board. Take left over wood you used for the counter and cut a nice board out of it, treat it also with Woodoc 10.
Woodoc 10 should be able to handle heat up to 170-180 deg IIRC.