Stop the madness.
December 8, 2012
Well, at least the cookie madness. Where is it written that one must make dozens of variety of Christmas cookies to have a festive holiday? It’s tempting, sure, when they are pictured everywhere starting in October, luring you in with their exotic ingredients or a clever (?) twist on the classic. Well, keep it simple and keep your sanity. Limit your cookie baking to one or two recipes that you’ve made before, are familiar with and that you know your family and friends enjoy. These Hazelnut Espresso cookies from the kitchens at Everyday Food are at the top my list. And, even though I could make them all year-long, I keep them as a special holiday treat along with a simple shortbread or Ina’s Rugelach.
http://www.marthastewart.com/341852/hazelnut-espresso-cookies
On your mark, get set…
December 12, 2022
make! Now or later, it’s time to start thinking about those holiday sweet treats. While it’s easiest to just pick something up at the market, it’s just a little bit Grinchy. None of my favorites below are complicated or involved. If you make the decision to limit your selection to just one or two, the process is not only doable but will be greatly appreciated by all you share them with. As you work your way down the list you will find that there are simply no bad choices.
Candied Orange and Ginger Bark
photos: gp
It’s Been 10 Years
December 6, 2021
Yep, hard to believe, but this month marks the end of 10 years since the start of simplequietmodern. Ten years has brought a lot of posts, ideas and pictures. Let’s look back at December 2012 and see what we were up to, shall we? Here are a few favorites of yours…. a few of mine.
Top to bottom:
A makeshift tree of fallen birch from the yard decorated in simple contrast with a collection of vintage glass ornaments in pink.
A tray of Ina Garten’s Gougere straight from the oven. A chilled bottle of champagne can’t be more than an arm’s length away.
Vintage Christmas ornaments… edited to this group of all silver and pink.
Fresh quince waiting to be cooked down into quince paste, or Membrillo. A welcome addition to any holiday charcuterie board.
While I could make them all year round I limit my favorite Espresso Hazelnut Cookies to Christmastime.
And, lastly… but most importantly, the arrival of my partner in crime, Baby Hambone Jaxon 3000. Quite simply the best.
photos: gp Revisit all the posts here. https://simplequietmodern.com/2012/12/
Making the Cut
November 29, 2017
Well, it’s time to cull through the stack of Christmas cookie recipes, hold some auditions and see who makes the cut. Sounds brutal, but editing to one selection keeps things simple while still keeping the holiday festive. Espresso Hazelnut Cookies, classic Shortbread and Walnut Horns are being edged out by a twist on last year’s selection…the Chewy Molasses Cookie. By pressing a thumbprint into the center of the cookies while they’re still warm from the oven and filling them with 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry preserves…well, they were simply the hands down winner.
Chewy Molasses Thumbprint Cookies. Chewy, spicy with a little extra Christmas magic.
Photos: gp
simplequietmodern 