Top ’em off…
August 31, 2013
with a little Zabaglione. Whatever summer fruit combination you still can’t get enough of…peaches, blueberries, strawberries,raspberries or pluots…they can all be transformed with a blanket of this airy Italian custard. Spoon it over berries straight up or broiled over stone fruit and you’ll be amazed at what magic three ingredients can create . I’ve lightened this version up with Prosecco instead of the traditional Marsala, for the perfect simple summer dessert.
You can find the original recipe here,http://www.chow.com/recipes/11956-broiled-pluots-with-zabaglione
A tough act to follow
August 28, 2013
Jaxon, one year old already. He came as such a surprise at the time it’s hard to believe he’s been here with me, making his mark, for nine months. Looking near identical to his brother, Buddy, I’m amazed at how similar and yet totally different he is. Best though are the belly laughs he induces daily… the way he captivates those he meets…his morning ritual of a spritz of Eau des Baux. Time now to drop the ” baby” from Baby Jaxon and get on with our adventures. Like his older sibling, he has been collecting a variety of nicknames, all which have him whirling around like the Tasmanian Devil… Jaxon Pollock, Action Jaxon, Jaxon Mississippi, Jaxon Brown, Jaxon Hole Wyoming, and his latest… and I think his favorite…Hambone Jaxon. As for his birthday portrait, well, he was having none of it. We celebrated with Cannoli anyway.
Maybe Next Year
August 25, 2013
Getting the lawn crew on board might be the biggest challenge. The mowing of meandering paths of turf through “islands” of meadow might be just the ticket to 1) freshen up a stale yard 2) invite nature back in to your home environment 3) reduce emissions from petroleum fueled power equipment. It’s just a thought, but it seems much more modern than acres of turf that has been fertilized, weed killed, edged and plucked to within an inch of its natural life. A paradigm shift like this would do everyone a world of good on so many levels, from a tiny urban plot to sprawling suburban acres. I’m loving it.
http://www.danpearsonstudio.com/#/selected-works/private/oxfordshire/
Did someone say picnic?
August 22, 2013
It might have been me. That’s what immediately came to mind when I spotted these concrete tables and benches in a local park. I had never seen anything like them before… old, weathered, yet with a decidedly modern edge. Picture it…racing through the ” golden arches” in a ’65 Corvair convertible and stealing away to the park for a little lunch…a little sun. It’s still summer people, slow it down.
Simple salad…simple side
August 19, 2013
Green beans with pickled red onion…a perfect summer salad or side. 1) Blanch green beans , refresh in an ice bath and drain 2) Thinly slice red onion and steep in a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar 3) Strain pickled onion and toss with green beans, season with a pinch of salt and a grind of pepper. If you happen to have a few sprigs of dill, even better but not necessary. Serve them chilled or at room temperature. That’s it…done.
A Bird in the hand…
August 16, 2013
becomes a thing of beauty when reduced to its purist form. This sculpture by American artist Cleo Hartwig, created in the early to mid 60’s, illustrates this perfectly. It’s simplequietmodern at it’s best. Reproduced by her own company in white foundry stone, this Mid-century Modern gem may still be found from time to time. If spotted, my advice…grab it.
The Smallest detail…
August 13, 2013
can make the biggest difference… the gap in the top of this coffee table by Pascha Design for example. The simple steel base and locally sourced oak slabs are the perfect play of thick and thin. But , it’s the space between the split top that takes this simplequietmodern statement from beautifully useful to artful. As we reluctantly start to think about transitioning back indoors come Fall I can’t think of a better place to gather than around this table…in front of the fire, a movie… over coffee or sharing a pizza. OK, pizza it is.
http://www.pachadesign.co.uk/furniture.html
That Reminds Me
August 10, 2013
Salad Days
August 7, 2013
It’s my favorite white bean salad 3 ways…a base of cannellini and garbanzo beans, green pepper, red or green onion, persian cucumbers and radishes in a simple vinaigrette Simple enough to prepare ahead and it holds well served chilled or at room temperature…just perfect for these hot summer days.
Take it to Greece and add a handful of kalamata olives , a sprinkle of oregano and some cubed feta cheese. Maybe the middle east by adding a touch of sumac to the dressing and some halved grape tomatoes , toasted pita pieces and some fresh mint to the salad.
All contain enough protein and crisp vegetables to be a satisfying lunch on its own or if it’s time for dinner, any of the three would be perfect along side a platter of grilled lamb chops. Mmm…lamb chops.
Break Time
August 4, 2013
How great would it be to sneak off for a break to a little house like this…50 sf , in the woods, screened with a transparent roof AND a suspended mattress?? Grab a stack of inspirational reading , a fresh cup of coffee, or your favorite pillow and head out to meditate…recharge…regroup. Be sure you leave your phone behind and maybe forget to tell anyone where you’re off to.
simplequietmodern 