Half Moon Bay

"The cure for anything is salt water- sweat, tears, or the sea."- Isak Dinesen 

As my time in California winds to a close, I decided to visit one of my favorite places in the Bay.  My mother and I took a day trip to the gorgeous coastal town of Half Moon Bay .

Growing up in the Bay Area prepares you for the dense fog and grey weather of the San Francisco area. Perhaps that's why I adjusted so quickly to the dreary days in Scotland... Regardless, you know you're getting close to Half Moon Bay when you look out your window and see thick clouds gathering over the mountains.

Driving into the Bay 

There are a number of great ways to spend a day in the seaside town, but we decided to start our day with a coastal walk.

Relaxing by the Ocean

The Coast Line of Half Moon Bay

Along the coast is a Half Moon Bay culinary institution. Sam's Chowder House is an exceptionally wonderful restaurant featuring some of the best fresh seafood in the area. Sam's has won a ton of awards, but you would never know it from the laid-back look and vibe of the place. I make an effort to come eat here every time I'm home since it never disappoints.

The unobtrusive but completely delicious Sam's

I always try to sit out back whenever I eat here because the views are great. Even on dreary fog soaked days the patio is warm and inviting.

The view from the patio

I highly recommend making a visit to Sam's if you're even remotely in the area.

The back patio of Sam's

 My mom and I always order the world famous Sam's Lobster Rolls. These lobster rolls have been ranked as one of the top 5 lobster rolls in the USA and they're the only ones worth having on the west coast.

Momma

The lobster is cooked perfectly and is so fresh. The sandwich is lightly buttered with a bit of celery mixed in with the overflowing lobster. It is heaven. It's the perfect amount of food and is always top notch.

I already want another

The only difficult part is figuring out how to eat it. I subscribe to the "I'm going to shove the entire thing in my mouth and see what happens" approach. 

Featured Fashion: Earrings, Watch

 After gorging ourselves at Sam's, we headed down to one of my favorite spots in the Bay, the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay resort. Fun fact: the wedding in American Pie was filmed here. The hotel itself is gorgeous, but I just love the location. I love just sitting by the fire pits on the cliffs.

The Ritz in the distance

Cliffs

Windy Day on the links 

The gorgeous patio of the resort

Half Moon Bay

 I loved walking the cliffs in the fog and wind. There is something so invigorating about sea side towns.  I am going to miss being able to drive out to Half Moon Bay once I permanently move to the East Coast in just over a week. I can't believe it's almost time to leave...

Saying Goodbye to Half Moon Bay 

Cheers! 

Cherry Peach Pie

"We must have pie. Stress cannot exist in the presence of a pie."- David Mamet 

With summer winding to a close, it only makes sense to get the most out of all the delicious fruits that are still in season. I found myself with a couple peaches and a few cups of cherries verging on over-ripening. Instead of throwing out the fruit or eating all of it by myself, I decided to bake a Cherry Peach Pie (the first pie I've ever baked).

Slice of Peach Cherry Pie

10 inch Crust (You can also buy a pre-made crust):
What You Need:

• 1 stick of chilled butter
• 1 1/3 cups of flour (I used whole wheat, but all-purpose works too)
• pinch of salt 
• 3 TBS ice water 

Assembled ingredients 

How to Make:

• Slice butter into 8 to 10 pieces

• 

  Sliced butter

  Add flour to chopped butter
  
  

• Add in a pinch of salt 

• Use a pastry blender (or a fork) to combine all ingredients 

• Add in the ice water and use your hands to mix the dough until it holds together

• Roll out your dough

• Place dough in your pie pan and shape it using your fingers or a fork

Filling: 

What You Need:

• 3 peaches
• 1/4 cup raspberry jam
• 2 cups of cherries
• 2 TBS sugar
• 1 TBS honey 
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 TBS butter
  

How to Make: 

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F
• Remove the skin and pits of the peaches. Chop peaches into bite size pieces.

• Remove the pits of the cherries and cut the cherries in half. Place peaches and cherries into a large bowl. 

• Add the raspberry jam to the fruit. 

• Pour the sugar into the fruit/jam mixture.  

• Add in the honey. 

• Add the cinnamon and mix all the ingredients together.

• Pour the filling into the pie pan.

• Chop the tbs of butter into small pieces. Drop the butter over the filling.  

 Crumble Crust:
What You Need:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter (chilled and diced)

How to Make:

• Combine all ingredients together with your fingers until crumbly 
• Top your pie
• Cook for 42 minutes 

Brody was curious about all the noise in the kitchen

Finished Pie

Enjoy!

Cheers!