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
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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
Still Grillin’
October 12, 2013
I just can’t get enough Chimichurri sauce. And, like the Argentinians, I’ll take it on anything grilled, any time, and then some. This simple condiment of parsley, mint, and garlic will extend summer freshness well into fall. Most traditionally used on grilled meat of any kind like grilled sausages, a rib eye or lamb, why not try it spooned over some late summer heirloom tomatoes, oven roasted new potatoes or even alongside a simple quesadilla?
“You like pie?”
September 27, 2013
“I like pie”. * Who’s going to argue with the President on this point? Pie is good…simple as that. And, what better way to usher in Fall than with an apple pie… in this case, Sour Cream Apple Pie.
I adapted the recipe found here:http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2008/10/sour-cream-appl.html using a mix of Granny Smith and Gala Apples. This pie was even better on the second day at room temperature.
* Barrack Obama
Maybe an Indian Summer
September 21, 2013
An Indian Summer would be nice, now that we’re moving into Fall and this past Summer was…well…odd. Looking back at the gray rainy days and looking forward with hopes for some bright, crisp, dry days ahead. A drive in the country, maybe some baking, switching out the summer T-shirts for a cozy sweater and raking leaves instead of weeding all mark the official end of summer and the beginning of the harvest as the earth takes a big stretch, a yawn and prepares for another long rest. A great time to take a little look back and a glance forward.
top to bottom:
The view from inside most of this last summer.
Not new in white, but sometimes they make the right modern statement, especially in this large flattened shape.
A fall color tour or an impromptu picnic would not be complete without this Woolrich Allegheny Throw. How great is that orange stitching? http://needsupply.com/mens/allegheny-throw-in-oxford.html
A nest of simplequietmodern bowls to help whip up or serve some Autumn inspired eats. http://www.crateandbarrel.com/best-and-buys/best-and-buys-entertaining/5-piece-roscoe-bowl-set/f52751
The last of summers peaches in a simple comforting crostada…I guess apples are next.
A little Merino wool, silk and linen in charcoal worked up into a quick ribbed cap gives the seasons knit projects a kick-start.
A little local color…it’s actually been changing here since the middle of August,
Roasted red grapes, red onion and farro…the start of what is now my new favorite Autumn salad.
The seasons colors and textures captured in a gorgeous hank of handspun yarn by my friend C http://cauchycomplete.wordpress.com/
A bit of Sedum cut for simple long lasting indoor display.
L’s Plum Torte
September 12, 2013
For years I have waited for the late summer harvest of Italian plums ( or prune plums if you know them that way) and the annual treat that has become tradition…Plum Torte. I’m not sure where the original recipe came from ( I suspect the New York Times) but my friend L has been baking them up, wrapping them up and freezing them up for more years than I care to count. I remember on many night flights back home to Los Angeles I would be guarding one of these…frozen solid, double wrapped for travel..in my carry on duffel. Upon arrival it was conveniently thawed. I would brew up a pot of Cafe Verona, cut myself a slice ( or two ) and watch the California sunrise. I’m not sure I have even made this more than once or twice because I am always blessed from L’s September stash. But today, as I haven’t run into any choice plums at the market I am trying it with figs as my substitute. They may lack the sweet tartness that is characteristic of the plums but with a squeeze of lemon juice I think they will fill in nicely.
For the original New York Times recipe: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/21/dining/216frex.html?_r=0
OK… I will admit that while this fig version is good, keep an eye out for the plums and hold out if you can. Sometimes there is really nothing better than the original.
Back to school…
September 3, 2013
back to work or just getting back to it. It’s September. Get up early…when everything is just quieter and the earliest morning sun seems to shed a new type of light on everything…and sneak off to your favorite corner to size up the coming season. A sort of meditation on your upcoming projects and projects still waiting to spring off the starting blocks. Whether they be an interior focus, some gardening attention, the tackling of a new skill set or honing an existing one, each can benefit from a few uninterrupted moments of relaxation and free thought. Before the activities and responsibilities of the day take over, pick your spot , take a deep cleansing breath and see what new inspiration surfaces. And don’t forget, we still have 3 weeks of Summer to enjoy before the chill of Fall is actually upon us.
Top ’em off…
August 31, 2013
with a little Zabaglione. Whatever summer fruit combination you still can’t get enough of…peaches, blueberries, strawberries,raspberries or pluots…they can all be transformed with a blanket of this airy Italian custard. Spoon it over berries straight up or broiled over stone fruit and you’ll be amazed at what magic three ingredients can create . I’ve lightened this version up with Prosecco instead of the traditional Marsala, for the perfect simple summer dessert.
You can find the original recipe here,http://www.chow.com/recipes/11956-broiled-pluots-with-zabaglione
Did someone say picnic?
August 22, 2013
It might have been me. That’s what immediately came to mind when I spotted these concrete tables and benches in a local park. I had never seen anything like them before… old, weathered, yet with a decidedly modern edge. Picture it…racing through the ” golden arches” in a ’65 Corvair convertible and stealing away to the park for a little lunch…a little sun. It’s still summer people, slow it down.
Simple salad…simple side
August 19, 2013
Green beans with pickled red onion…a perfect summer salad or side. 1) Blanch green beans , refresh in an ice bath and drain 2) Thinly slice red onion and steep in a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar 3) Strain pickled onion and toss with green beans, season with a pinch of salt and a grind of pepper. If you happen to have a few sprigs of dill, even better but not necessary. Serve them chilled or at room temperature. That’s it…done.
Salad Days
August 7, 2013
It’s my favorite white bean salad 3 ways…a base of cannellini and garbanzo beans, green pepper, red or green onion, persian cucumbers and radishes in a simple vinaigrette Simple enough to prepare ahead and it holds well served chilled or at room temperature…just perfect for these hot summer days.
Take it to Greece and add a handful of kalamata olives , a sprinkle of oregano and some cubed feta cheese. Maybe the middle east by adding a touch of sumac to the dressing and some halved grape tomatoes , toasted pita pieces and some fresh mint to the salad.
All contain enough protein and crisp vegetables to be a satisfying lunch on its own or if it’s time for dinner, any of the three would be perfect along side a platter of grilled lamb chops. Mmm…lamb chops.
simplequietmodern 