Simple Enough
October 18, 2018
Feta…I love it. Yet every time I bought a new block it seemed I ended up tossing some out before I had time to use it on yet another Greek salad. Ugh…I hate waste. Simple solution… drizzle with olive oil and hit with a healthy dose of red pepper flakes, a grind or two of black pepper and a sprinkle of oregano. Bake at 400 Degrees until soft, about 10 minutes. As a prelude to dinner served with torn pits it’s delicious…..and, anything left over can be turned into a simple lunch with the addition of some pepperoncini, tomato and a few olives. Baked feta…..who knew?
Photos: gp
Daily Essential
October 15, 2018
While its admirable to recycle all of those plastic and paper shopping bags, it’s hard to look good while doing so on a daily basis. Nao Takahshi’s Cano Leather Handle Tote has got you covered. Just the right size at 16 ” x 6 ” x 11.8 ” and constructed of ultra thick cotton and cowhide with a leather reinforced interior, this bag will have you carting all of the others directly to the recycling center. A great briefcase alternative….with plenty of space for a tablet, note pad, some water and a heathy snack or light lunch…it could also be put to service as a project bag or sidekick to your duffle for a quick weekend road trip.
Photos: https://www.odetothings.com/products/cano-leather-handle-tote?variant=5444076666911
Shifting Gears
October 11, 2018
Fall. Time to turn up the heat, spice things up, enjoy the seasons bounty and get ready to adjust our mindset before Winter and the holidays are upon us.
Some simple inspiration to make the seque, top to bottom.
Terra cotta petals with a cream backside… the Leonidas rose. Picture perfect as Mother Nature changes everything around us.
Exotic spice blends like Zaatar and Ras el Hanout bring a little something special and exotic to everyday eats.
The perfect fiber blend to bridge all of the seasons, Purl Soho’s Flax Down… Baby Alpaca, superfine Merino and Linen, worked together with their Linen Quill in True Turquoise. https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2018/09/05/swath-wrap/
Flor samples for consideration for a pending Winter project. Neutrals are great but a plaid underfoot might just be fun. https://www.flor.com
On a weekend night of binge watching, a Texican dinner of Chili Verde will transport you to the southwest and warm you up. https://simplequietmodern.com/2015/10/27/a-little-needed-comfort/
Locally.grown and processed apples and apple cider…the Fall possibilities are endless and not to be missed. What’s your pleasure? A cocktail of Bourbon and cider or apple pie for breakfast?
Photos: gp
Then and Now
October 7, 2018
Continuing the celebration of Florence Knoll’s 100th year, let’s focus on some new additions to her 1954 Lounge Group. What she originally considered a “fill in” piece, the Florence Knoll Bench has been impressively resized, elevating it to a “statement” piece. Whether you select the small, medium or large, and put it to use as a bench, ottoman or coffee table, the clean geometric profile of this modern classic is available in a dizzying selection of approve Knoll textiles and leathers. Wow!
Photos: https://www.knoll.com
Changing Colors
October 1, 2018
Heath Ceramics started producing its first dinnerware line, Coupe, in their factory in Sausalito in 1948. Seventy years later, this iconic collection of plates, bowls, cups and accessory pieces, designed by Edith Heath, is still being produced in the original factory. To mark this milestone, Heath is refreshing the Coupe line with new colors and glazes while archiving and retiring others. It’s a great time to pick up on those before they are gone or to experiment by mixing some of the new palette into your existing collection. Some of the fresh modern neutrals include rosemary, salt/shadow and zinc… with brighter shades like moonstone, yuzu/fawn and persimmon/ pumpkin adding a little simplequietmodern punctuation if your feeling so inclined.
Photos: https://www.heathceramics.com
Wipe Your Feet
September 24, 2018
It’s Fall. We’ll be reluctantly moving our lives back indoors, dragging along any and all types of dirt, dust or yard debris. To the rescue is a simplequietmodern favorite, a no border, plain woven cocoa fiber doormat. This dense woven fiber with its natural mold and mildew resistant properties, will trap and hold dirt and debris below the surface of its deep pile. Most commonly used in commercial settings, cocoa fiber mats are a perfect choice for the most heavily trafficked areas at home, indoors and out.
Mats are available in standard sizes from 2×3′ to 6×12′, as well as custom sizing. Classic natural cocoa fiber tan, as well as six additional colors, all have the 3/4″ woven fibers secured in a heavy-duty vinyl backing. I’ve decided that the charcoal, both at the front door and in front of the kitchen sink, should keep things tidy enough.
photos: https://www.americanfloormats.com/cocoa-mats
I Didn’t Know Jack
September 17, 2018
Jackfruit. I had no idea that this Asian superfood is an everyday staple in South and Southest Asia. Used in both its green and ripe forms, from savory dishes to desserts, Jackfruit is a great source of protein, potassium, calcium and iron. Benefits of eating JackFruit include improved energy, regulated blood pressure and better cardiovascular health, improved digestion, cancer prevention and enhanced vision. That said, I thought it was time to try to integrate some Jackfruit into my Meatless Monday rotation. My early simple plan was to cook it up in barbecue sauce as a pork-less pulled pork. Then I got sidetracked by a suggestion from one of the guys at my local Trader Joe’s to use it in place of crab in crab cakes. That did it, I was off and running. Starting with the crab cakes, I offered the first couple of test batches to friends. Their response was unanimous …” Wow, these are fantastic”. Who’s going to argue with that?
Then I went back to my original thought and whipped up a little faux “pulled pork” using Trader Joe’s recipe and their Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce and Marinade. Could not have been simpler. Piled on a brioche bun topped with some slaw and chopped onion? Another meatless Monday winner. See for yourself. Looks just like pulled pork, doesn’t it? Recipe here: https://www.traderjoes.com/recipes/lunch/pulled-jackfruit-sandwich
Photos:gp
