Like white on rice…
January 10, 2014
pudding. Really, everywhere you look…SNOW. I’m sure most of the nation feels the same way about the last week. Too much snow…way too cold. In between bouts of shoveling out I would retreat indoors to warm up and keep myself busy with one project or another so as not to run the risk of contracting “cabin fever”. I noticed a box of arborio rice that I rarely use and wondered what I could make of it other than risotto.After a quick search and a visit to Smitten Kitchen I found I had all of the ingredients necessary to make a rice pudding. When I saw that it was adapted from a recipe by Gale Gand and that the ingredient list was minimal I knew I had to give it go. I still had some shoveling to do and this would be the perfect “carrot” to pull me through that chore. A few ingredients and about a half an hour later and you’re ready to dig in…thick, rich and creamy with raisins and a hint of lemon zest, a touch of ground cinnamon over the top. Simple. Now back outside to work it off.
Round Three
January 5, 2014
Another year over, indeed, completing year two of simplequietmodern. I need to take a minute here to thank all of you who stop by and check things out and those of you that follow. The sheer number of you still amazes me each day, as does the worldwide reach, making it even easier to share what I see, what I do…what I have to say. I have enjoyed every comment, every email, your support, your friendship. As the world gets more complicated and our challenges seem to get more complex I look forward to writing every post, taking every photograph, testing every recipe, and creating every project to help us all enjoy a life that is moresimplemorequietmoremodern. So, moving on to a great year three I think it might be necessary to fortify our spirit with some cake! And yes, some flowers.
Mocha Chocolate Cake with Sour Cream Ganache from the Hungry Mouse…perfect. And, nothing can pull you through a nasty winter snowstorm like a simple vase of cut white hyacinths. ( cake photo: the Hungry Mouse )
http://www.thehungrymouse.com/2010/04/07/mocha-layer-cake-with-sour-cream-ganache/
Another year over…
January 1, 2014
and a new one just begun.* The perfect time to be grateful for the good of the last year and set forth on a new and creative path for the next twelve months. Not one prone to the making and breaking of resolutions, I have always found that committing things to paper…notes, bits of inspiration, plans for upcoming projects, events or personal goals…can not only organize your thoughts, but gives you a resource to refer back to and evaluate your progress. A hardbound sketchbook or journal is always my simplequietmodern must have, although a designated project pad can do the trick. Keep it handy to jot down a thought, tuck in a bit of inspiration or flip back to enjoy each progressive step. The clock for 2014 has started ticking. On your mark….get set….
top to bottom
The classic Braun travel alarm clock ,now in gray, will help keep track of those fleeting minutes at home or away. http://needsupply.com/mens/new/classic-bnc002-clock-in-grey.html
What could have been a disaster rose from the ashes of a failed project to become Koishi one… one big, thick and richly textured linen blanket.
This sculpture greets and inspires me daily. Created completely of recycled LA Times newsprint, it brings home the idea that the great beauty can be found in the most humble material.
The found nests in my yard pale in comparison to this Australian example captured by my friend Kirsten Johnstone. It’s easy to see how it’s texture, form and structure caught her architects eye. http://www.kirstenjohnstone.com/blog/
The best part of my everyday…the “Hambone” Jaxon. The full-out belly laughs he induces daily are the best gift one could hope to receive.
Staring me down from a basket on the corner of my desk, these two yarns in gray and olive seemed to want to work together. Looking good so far.
The beginnings of a great Winter salad of Farro, roasted red grapes and red onions. I’ll post the simplified Martha recipe soon to help you get back on track after the holidays.
Classic. Black Minnetonka moccasins. They help me keep my focus on the warmer months to come.
Raw wood. You can almost smell it can’t you? The simplicity of the design and use of a single material in this space says it all. http://remash.tumblr.com/
A glass of your favorite sparkler for toasting to your perfect health, success and happiness in this New Year 2014
*So This Is Christmas, John Lennon
Change of Plan
December 18, 2013
Could there be a worse time for your oven to decide to act up than a week before Christmas? Well, better sooner than later, so there is still time to regroup. Instead of cookies, I think candy is going to be the treat of choice this season. As long as it’s homemade does it really matter? I don’t think there will be any disappointed faces when they dive into this…Candied Orange and Ginger Bark.
It’s as easy as gathering your ingredients and melting some chocolate. Make your candied oranges a day ahead and this is simple simple simple. You can find the Canadian Living tested recipe here:http://www.canadianliving.com/food/baking_and_desserts/candied_orange_and_ginger_bark.php
Candy, Candy Canes…
December 10, 2013
candy corns…syrup*. Who knew that one of these…of Elf’s main food groups… could be so disarming? A pocketful of candy canes is just great to carry around, ready to hand out and diffuse some impending holiday meltdown. It could be the nasty person in line at Starbucks giving the barista a hard time or the weary sales clerk at any retail location, who just needs a smile and a break, that can benefit from this simple gesture. I started doing this years ago, begining my day armed and ready. And, I always returned home with an empty pocket, feeling good. Interesting how bringing a sweet unexpected smile to someone will always have one coming back to you.
* Elf
He’s makin’ a list…checkin it twice
December 4, 2013
Now’s a good time to start on your list as well. And, to help you along I’ve pulled together a few simplequietmodern ideas to get you going…mostly simple… that are thoughtful, inspired and won’t break the bank. If they aren’t a fit for someone on your list there is no harm in treating yourself to a little gift is there?
From top to bottom:
Who wouldn’t love this festive serving bowl from Heath in their holiday ruby and red suede glaze …extra special when filled with some spicy Maple Cayenne Glazed Walnuts. http://www.heathceramics.com/catalog/product/view/id/1538/s/bowl-ruby-red-suede-red/category/3/
You have plenty of time left to knit someone special this basic cap in Purl Soho’s new Merino Worsted Twist yarn. I have one near identical in cotton that I wear constantly so I know this’ll be a hit. Yarn, pattern and supplies needed are available through Purl.http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2013/10/10/purl-soho-basic-hats-for-everyone.html
This iPad Mini sleeve in charcoal suede from Need Supply Co. will add some simplequietmodern protection to our favorite new mobile device. http://needsupply.com/ipad-mini-sleeve.html
It doesn’t get any better than homemade marshmallows covered in chocolate unless you’ve received a gift of these…Jenna’s Peppermint Sticks from Simply Good Kitchen in Birmingham, Michigan. Thick dark chocolate over homemade marshmallow bars with just the perfect dusting of finely crushed peppermint sticks. You better get some for yourself while you’re at it. http://www.simplygoodkitchen.com/default.htm
These faceted balancing blocks of white-painted wood from Need Supply Company would definitely keep one happily occupied while on stuck on “hold”. http://needsupply.com/mens/new/balancing-blocks.html
Oaktown Spice Shop’s Everything Bagel Spice Blend takes one of our favorite flavor combinations and makes it easily applicable to almost anything. http://food52.com/provisions/products/37-oaktown-spice-shop-the-better-than-everything-bagel
Merry Christmas from pig heaven. Who wouldn’t love the a pound or two of thick cut bacon from Whole Foods Market. It could easily turn a vegetarian into a flexetarian. I’m just sayin’.
If it’s a gift for a gardener that has you stumped perhaps this galvanized weeder will fit the bill. I’m thinking a stroll through the garden won’t be complete without one. http://www.shopterrain.com/new-arrivals-garden-plants/galvanized-utility-weeder/productOptionIDs/bd0459cc-8958-45c4-b120-330bd8a8856a
Mmmm…maplely
November 30, 2013
I love maple syrup. And, I love walnuts. It’s also no secret that a recipe that knocks it outta the park with the fewest possible ingredients works for me on every possible level. So,you can imagine how excited I was when I ran across this recipe for Maple Cayenne Glazed Walnuts. Four ingredients…one pan…ten minutes. Done. You’ll definitely want to be multiplying this recipe for use over ice cream, in a salad, added to a cheese tray or just to have more to snack on. If I received a smartly wrapped batch of these as a holiday gift I would not be disappointed.
This recipe is from http://www.fifteenspatulas.com/
You might see your glass…
November 26, 2013
half empty. I run into people daily who whine and complain about all of the gifts in their lives that, seriously, they have no reason to have but for the grace of God. Their glass is never quite full enough. Well, on this Thanksgiving it might do them well, particularly when there are so many with so little, to be thankful that they have a glass…and, that there is something in it. If you woke up this morning and took a breath…give thanks. If you have been blessed with wealth or excellent health, give thanks. If you have simply experienced beauty or kindness in the most unexpected place, give thanks.
Eat Up
November 14, 2013
A hearty comforting hash of potatoes, baby Portobellos, onions and green pepper is just the ticket for these cooler ( OK…COLD ) days that are now upon us. Easily prepared in advance, the ingredients can be combined and tossed together with a final salt & pepper adjustment. I like this by itself for lunch or topped with poached eggs for dinner, but it’s also great used as an omelet filling or as a side to roast pork or chicken. You can add some Brussels Sprouts or Winter squash to the mix or glam it up with a crumble of goat cheese and a sprinkle of herbs…but for now, let’s keep it simple.
Love it…Hate it
October 30, 2013
I fall into the “hate it” group when it comes to Halloween. Don’t ask me why…just do. Maybe it’s the cheezy costumes and ” dressing up” that I find unappealing. The treats? Now, that’s another thing completely. Who doesn’t love an annual dose of candy corn or better yet something homemade,… without a trace of orange or black…like these Butterscotch Crunch bars. A quick mix of a few ingredients you most likely have on hand , ten minutes in the oven and your are done. Fair warning: make two batches
.
The simple recipe can be found here. I added a sprinkle of kosher salt over top as they were cooling which seemed to round out the rich sweetness. http://www.cbc.ca/bestrecipes/2012/04/butterscotch-crunch-bars.html
simplequietmodern 