A Rare Occasion
July 6, 2016
It’s a rare occasion when I’m presented with something that I haven’t already seen, experienced and loved or already dismissed. It’s even more rare that I am surprised at all. Well, surprised I was when I found a small unexpected parcel at my door and simply stunned upon opening it. So simple, so quiet, so modern. At first glance it looked like a block of Russian Amber…or something from the MOMA gift shop. Closer inspection exposed its true identity, a new incarnation of one of my favorite things, maple syrup. The equivalent of a 7 oz. bottle packed into a grateable solid cube of dark, robust maple sugar…loaded with nutrients, antioxidants and polyphenols. Microplane at the ready, flaked on mixed Summer berries will be a great way to start.
photos: gp
http://www.tonewoodmaple.com/products/maple-cube-pure-maple-sugar-cube-from-vermont-vt
All Set
July 3, 2016
Flag. Check. Burgers, watermelon and sparklers? Check, check and check. That was simple.
photos: gp
Brown Butter Bourbon Blondies
May 1, 2016
If April showers bring May flowers, a wet Spring weekend also provides just enough time indoors to knock out a batch of these…Brown Butter Bourbon Blondies.
I adjusted Phyllis Grant’s adaptation of Mark Bittman’s Butterscotch Brownies by adding a cup of coarsley chopped toasted walnuts and replacing 3 of the 4 teaspoons of vanilla with Bourbon. Now we’re talking…I should have made a double batch. You can find the original adaptaton here: http://food52.com/recipes/32350-brown-butter-blondies
Good enough…
April 17, 2016
for company yet simple and quick enough for any week night dinner… Orchietti with pancetta and peas. It’s a Springtime comfort food, with each “little ear” cradling a bit of crisp pancetta, a pea or bit of fresh herb. With a few basic ingredients you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes. A glass of Prosecco and maybe some spring strawberries for dessert ? Done.
Photos:gp
What could be easier…
March 27, 2016
…than leaving well enough alone? Happy Easter.
Photos: gp
Boing!
March 21, 2016
It’s official…it’s Spring! While the threat of a Nor’easter is still possible and a chill remains in the air there is no looking back. It’s time to grab hold of some Spring and not let go until June. I’m not sure where I’m going to start but I’ve squirreled away some inspiration to help get me started . How ’bout you?
Top to bottom:
A fresh bottle of Simple Green and stack of clean cloths…on your mark, get set…clean.
A handful of parrot tulips will not only freshen things up, they might trigger reading The Tulip by Anna Pavord.
Now is the perfect time to add a new tool to your gardening arsenal. Maybe this hand rake to get into those tight spots. http://www.shopterrain.com/new-arrivals-garden-plants/sneeboer-hand-leaf-debris-rake
Asparagus…grilled as a side or maybe in a risotto.
Simple bowls of forced rye grass and undyed eggs…the simplequietmodern way to decorate for this weekends Easter brunch.
photos: gp
Almost Out of the Woods
March 14, 2016
The cure for cabin fever could be a 70 degree day and an afternoon out-of-doors or this…the Cabin Fever Brownie from Detroit’s Avalon Bakery. A thick rich brownie under a thicker slab of marshmallow generously crusted with a “crackle” of “all the snack foods you crave”. Oh, yes they did.
Photos:gp
Who Knew?
January 14, 2016
A better chocolate chip cookie? Could be. Or, at least a healthier one. Made with…of all things…chickpea flour! After all of your holiday overindulging you can forget the resolutions and whip up a batch of these to kick off the New Year guilt free. With a healthy serving of protein and dietary fiber these might just be your new ” go to “.
Cheers!
January 3, 2016
Four years, 415 posts and hundreds of photos… it’s time to celebrate as we move into year five of simplequietmodern. Reviewing the last year you have surprised me yet again by digging into the archives and making some of the earliest posts the ones you favored most in 2015. So cheers to you my readers, followers and friends. Thank you for taking the time to stop by, get inspired, leave a comment and inspire me.
From classic mid-century modern furniture and architecture, sophisticated applications of humble materials like concrete and ply, brilliant projects featuring recycled pallets and paper to something good to eat with only a few simple ingredients and minimal effort…just a small sampling of what has kept my interest and yours this past year.
Another Holiday Meatless Monday
December 27, 2015
It may seem like you’ve over done it, but between Christmas and New Years Eve you still have to eat. Fancy enough for company yet simple enough for any day of the week…Mushroom Stroganoff. A handful of ingredients and minimal prep will have four steaming bowls of comfort on the table in about 30 minutes.
Photos:gp
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