The seaside breeze invigorates one’s soul. Whether your comfort zone is sand between your toes or intense surfing, absorbing the joyful sounds of ocean-living brings a smile. I like to cook when visiting the beach. Some dishes lend more synchronicity to the natural environment. When friends visit, they don’t expect a steak and baked potato. In fact, they would be greatly disappointed if I didn’t prepare seafood. Laboring in the kitchen isn’t appealing either because time spent actually on the beach is significant. I created a dish that is perfect for the atmosphere and it has minimal preparation time, too! Let the beach sooth and inspire you as friends gather and bond. © Kelly McBride Loft

Beachcomber Pot Pie

Prepare a basic béchamel sauce and season with chopped dill, white pepper and kosher salt. Sear fresh scallops and sauté fresh peeled shrimp. (I like to flavor the seafood with splash of sherry.)  Partially fill individual ramekins with the mixture of the scallops, shrimp, peas, carrots and pearl onions.  Options are small chunks of precooked potato, sliced celery and sliced water chestnuts.  Cover the ingredients with the cream sauce.  Now, top each ramekin with puff pastry and bake until thoroughly heated and the puff pastry is baked.  It is a wholesome sea treasure feast, when the sea is calling you near.         © Kelly McBride Loft