Brrrrr, It’s Cold
January 23, 2022
Shoveling’s done, dinner’s in the oven, fire’s going and you’re about to get your binge on. All that’s missing is a quick comforting snack on this bitter cold Sunday afternoon. Me, I’m thinking about making two. Not only because they compliment each other perfectly, but because I had all of the items on hand and I couldn’t decide between them …Blistered Shishito Peppers and Pizza Fritte.
Heat up a couple glugs of oil in your favorite cast iron skillet until shimmering and toss in your Shishito peppers. Fair warning, they will sputter and pop. A quick turn and blister the other side, drain on a paper towel and hit with a sprinkle of coarse salt. Then while the pan is still hot add more oil to about 1/2″. Tear off nice size pieces from a ball of pre-made pizza dough, pull and flatten slightly and fry in hot oil. Turn when the bottoms are golden and fry on the reverse side. Drain, sprinkle with coarse salt and serve with a drizzle of hot honey.
photos: gp
Takin’ a minute…
January 13, 2022
on this cold, gray day to do a bit of daydreaming and sort through some inspiration for upcoming projects.
Top to bottom:
Vintage midcentury Italian fixture by Stilnovo photo via Plastolux
Modern landscaping photo via: Remash Tumblr
Vintage modern Paul McCobb Planners group desk photo via Plastolux
Simple concrete courtyard photo: Remash Tumblr
Public art installation at the London Fruit and Wool Exchange photo via Plastolux
Vladimir Kagan Korduda Sofa photo via Plastolux
A gorgeous heart oak cube…perfect. photo via Plastolux
Vintage 60’s Platner Lounge Chair reimagined in Zebra. Photo via Plastolux
Minimalist Palm Springs residence by the Kaplan Group photo via Plastolux
New Year,
January 9, 2022
new outlook. It’s always great to start the New Year armed with what you need to tackle whatever comes your way. A new yearly calendar ( yes, old school ) a handful of new Uniballs and black Sharpies and a crisp blank journal is where I always start. That’s pretty much all you need to do a quick jot of your goals, plans, and inspiration, contained for easy reference. That covered, maybe hone an old skill or develop a new one to help you work your way through the day smarter, not harder. And, if you’re still working from home, maybe treat yourself a little and up the business casual with some cashmere…a classic crew neck sweater for the waist up...cashmere sweatpants from the waist down. 2022, we’re ready for ya.
photos 1 & 3: gp
Happy Anniversary to…
January 6, 2022
simplequietmodern. Yep, ten years down and ready to dig into number eleven. As always, you know what I say about any celebration…there’s gotta be cake. To be sure, there will be cake at some point, but for now I’m thinking a glass of something festive to toast and a box of sparklers will have to do the trick in these uncertain times. It’s not a time to be gathering and I’m not about to polish off a cake by myself. For now I might just dream about cakes from the last decade that are contenders.
After the bubbly, from the top:
What’s more festive and modern than a naked confetti cake? Photo: Bon Appetit
Maybe something simple. It doesn’t get any simpler that chocolate cake with with white frosting.
Mocha Layer Cake with Sour Cream Ganache? I feel a nap coming on. photo: the Hungry Mouse
I’ve been looking for an excuse to make this cake for years. Cake and meringue baked together and stacked with whipped cream. And, did I mention it has walnuts in it? Maybe this year.
Or perhaps this showstopper created by my friend, architect Kirsten Johnstone. Yes, please. photo: Kirsten Johnstone
Photos: gp unless noted.
Wake Up
January 1, 2022
It’s a brand new year. And, with that, comes the hope of a better year. Not too much to ask, is it? Before we get started we might need a little sustenance on this long holiday weekend. Any of the following are easy to pull together in just a little time and pair nicely with a glass or two of something sparkling. Happy New Year!
From the top:
Pop that cork, it’s time to start cooking. Champagne or Prosecco straight or with a festive splash of peach or pomegranate juice will get things started.
If you were lucky enough to have been gifted a Panettone for the holidays, now’s the perfect time to turn it into French toast and serve it up with a big bowl of Cara Cara oranges. Done.
Chilaquiles are a always a fun way to start the day, or the New Year. Rick Bayless will walk you though it here. http://www.fronterafiesta.com/cook/starters-snacks-a-light-meals/355-chilaquiles-with-salsa-and-eggs-
One of my super simple favorites that I don’t make often enough is Salade Lyonnaise. A slab of artisan toast topped with a salad of frisee’, a poached egg and some beautiful thick bacon. My Maple Vinaigrette is easy enough: 2 tablespoons general use olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple Cider Vinegar, 2 tablespoons dark amber maple syrup. For any special breakfast, brunch, lunch or light supper, this is hard to beat.
photos: gp
simplequietmodern 