Give Thanks
November 23, 2017
What a year so far. Terror, uncertainty…for some, unbelievable grief and sadness. Still, we set this day aside to give thanks and give thanks we will. With maybe an additional prayer that moving forward we lead by example, think before we speak and most importantly, simply do the right thing. Happy Thanksgiving.
Photo: gp
Setting the Table
November 18, 2017
And, what a table! In any configuration. As we are about to celebrate Thanksgiving let’s also continue to celebrate the design genius of Florence Knoll. Specifically the dining table group designed in 1961. Simple and elegant in proportion, these tables include shapes, sizes and finishes to perfectly anchor any space and satisfy every taste. Round, square, rectangular or oval…surfaces in laminate, wood or stone, sizing to seat four to ten…the options seem endless. What Thanksgiving feast wouldn’t look even better on any one of them?
Photos: https://www.knoll.com/shop/by-designer/florence-knoll
Chop Chop
November 12, 2017
Whether it’s prepping Thanksgiving dinner or simply assembling a turkey sandwich the next day there’ll be plenty of slicing and dicing going on. Why not pair your favorite chefs knife with this solid walnut Greenware cutting board by Jose’ Reguerio. Having the right tools makes any undertaking easier. Having beautiful tools simply elevates the experience to a new level.
Also available in solid Maple. Photos: http://joseregueiro.com/greenware/
Turning Back the Clock
November 6, 2017
Daylight Saving Time just messes with me. The simple act of turning the clocks back each Fall seems simple enough, but the darkness that descends is just too much too early. It’s as if there is no longer a difference between AM and PM…it’s all the same…dark. Maybe that’s why breakfast for dinner is popular with so many. While pancakes or eggs might satisfy some, it’s not as comforting as I’d like after a long day. Enter the perfect mash-up of breakfast and supper…Pasta Carbonara. A simple combination of a few pantry staples; bacon and eggs, half and half, Parmesan and Italian parsley tossed with hot spaghetti has dinner on the table in as little time as it takes the pasta to cook. Now we’re talking. I’m feeling better about the time change already.
I tweeked this already simple recipe from Everyday Food, https://www.marthastewart.com/341240/spaghetti-carbonara, by using the great smoky Black Forest bacon from Whole Foods Market and halving the amount then adding a handful of coarsely chopped Italian parsley. Guess what just moved up into my Fall and Winter recipe rotation?
photos: gp
Daily Grind
October 29, 2017
Danish architecture and design firm, Norm, has turned the process of grinding pepper upside down. By locating the ceramic grinding mechanism in the top of their Bottle Grinders they have eliminated the mess left behind on the dinner table and counter tops by traditional pepper mills where the grinding mechanism is at the bottom. Thank you. Available in sets of two, the small Bottle Grinder is available in a variety of colors and finishes, but my simplequietmodern favorites are the ash/carbon or stainless steel with light oak or walnut “lids”, which allow you to adjust the grind. And, you’re not limited to peppercorns, these grinders will tackle all types of salt, spices and even dried fruits. If you’re feeling generous you could keep one for yourself and pass one along. The upcoming holidays might be a good time to take these for a test drive.
Available through but not limited to Amazon, Menu, CB2.
https://menu.as/en/accessories/bottle-grinders/
https://www.cb2.com/2-piece-neutral-salt-and-pepper-grinder-set/s607895
Pizza Night
October 6, 2017
In less time than it takes to run out and pick one up, you can bake a pizza and have it on the table. A few ingredients gathered up beforehand have you at the ready when your new Fall schedule has you slammed. Pre-made pizza dough, jarred pesto, a red onion and some cheese is all you need for my favorite Pesto Pizza. While the oven is coming to temperature at 500 degrees simply pat out your dough into a round or rectangle, start with some provolone, then an even layer of Pesto, a scattering of sliced red onion and then finally some mozzarella. Ten to twelve minutes in the oven and you’re done.
Photos:gp
It’s Back
October 2, 2017
And, it’s made in the USA. The re-issue of Harry Bertoia’s molded plastic side chair. Designed in 1954 with its debut in 196o, this iconic piece of modern seating is back. The shells are available in neutrals and brights with the bases finished in black or white powder coat or polished chrome. Now might be a good time to think about that additional seating you’ll be needing come Thanksgiving.
Photos: http://www.knoll-int.com/home/by-designer/classic-designers/harry-bertoia/bertoia-plastic-side-chair—outdoor
One Bowl…
September 7, 2017
a few pantry staples and a wooden spoon. That’s all that’s needed to put the abundance of Summer zucchini to good use. I adjusted the already simple recipe from SimplyRecipes.com to include butter and olive oil and the result was 14 moist and gently spiced Zucchini Muffins packed with raisins and walnuts in just 45 minutes, start to finish.
http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/zucchini_muffins/
Or, you can use this recipe to create two loaves of satisfying Zucchini Bread instead. http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/zucchini_bread/
photos: gp
Guess Who’s Five ?
August 28, 2017
It seems only fitting that for Baby Hambone Jaxon 3000’s fifth birthday we’d all celebrate with his favorite…cookies. There will be mixed berry treats from Nutro for him and big festive sprinkled cookies from my local Latin market for everyone else. Simple.
Photos: gp
Take It Outside
August 25, 2017
Starting the day with your morning cup and a little solitude, breaking midday for a little lunch or gathering a group for an impromptu Summer supper, this table and bench seating would accommodate beautifully. If it’s only seating you need the benches alone offer up some great inspiration for an impressive DIY project. Hmmmm…there’s plenty of summer left…
simplequietmodern 