Summertime Blues
August 1, 2013
There is nothing like local Michigan blueberries…in abundance. A simplequietmodern spin on this superfruit is to take some of the surplus and whip up a simple blueberry syrup and stir yourself up a Blueberry Mojito. Nothing wrong with a summer cocktail that is also antioxidant and phytonutrient rich is there?
Blueberry Simple Syrup
1 cup fresh blueberries , 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar
Combine all 3 ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain the solids from the syrup through a fine mesh sieve and reserve…you can add them to Greek yoghurt or top some ice cream. Yields 2 cups Transfer syrup to a covered jar and refrigerate.
Done. How simple was that? Replace the simple syrup in your favorite Mojito recipe with this and garnish with a few fresh blueberries.
Knee High by the 4th of July
July 20, 2013
And, not long after that the farm stands will be piled high with the makings for Fresh Corn Salad. In true simplequietmodern style there are only three ingredients plus a splash of apple cider vinegar and olive oil. You know by now how I love a simple recipe. And, it’s from the Barefoot Contessa herself so there is no need to make any adjustments. Is there anything better in the summer than fresh local corn?
You can find Ina Garten’s recipe for Fresh Corn Salad here: http://barefootcontessa.com/recipes.aspx?RecipeID=635&S=0
North African Beet Salad
July 3, 2013
I’m not sure which is better…the simplicity of roasted beets alone or a salad that elevates them to an entirely new level with the addition of only a few simple ingredients. This North African beet salad was shared by a friend and I have to say I make it all of the time now as part of a Mediterranean Mezza of Hummous or Cannelini bean dip, olives, pepperoncini, Feta and some great bread. I first made this with canned whole beets cut into chunks because I couldn’t wait to try it …and it was fantastic. It only gets better if you’ve have the time to roast some beets from the farmers market. Either way, you will not be disappointed…you might even want to start by doubling this recipe.
A Genius Move
June 30, 2013
Really. At least to my minds eye. So, for starters, you have an open space with your kitchen in full view. The simplequietmodern exercise of placing the major appliances ( stove , oven, refrigerator ) around a corner or behind a wing wall keeps everything neat and tidy when viewed from the larger living area, no matter what you’re cooking up. All that is visible is some simple lower cabinetry sans hardware and a few neatly appointed open shelves. If the giant Kitchen Aid mixer was tucked around the corner too, the entire area would read as console, sideboard or wet bar rather than prep area. The rolling worksurface wears several hats also… as a working peninsula , lunch counter or serving table rolled to wherever it’s needed. Pretty smart.
White Prosecco Sangria
June 21, 2013
Perfect for any hot summer day and readily adaptable to what the fruit stand has to offer, this simplequietmodern White Prosecco Sangria might just be your “go to” beverage this summer. Easily made by the glass or by the pitcher full the key ingredients here are all white light and sunny. White peaches, nectarines and golden raspberries…a splash of peach schnapps…all topped off with bubbly Prosecco….done and done.
I do know Jack…
June 8, 2013
can add a little “something” to a glass of Coke , Ginger Beer or maybe the filling of a Pecan Pie. But now that grilling season’s here it’s a key ingredient in a classic condiment redux. A creation of Burger Up in Nashville, Tennessee, their Jack Daniels Maple Ketchup is a fortified version of the cookout staple. Burgers, dogs and fries alike can benefit from this modern robust twist on my favorite Heinz 57. So who’s feeling like sliders?
Power breakfast
May 30, 2013
There is no better way to start a summer morning than with this simplequietmodern power breakfast. And, it couldn’t be easier. Hard boiled egg whites and avocado cut into chunks…some coarse black pepper, coarse salt and a squeeze of lemon juice. Really, that’s it. If you’d still rather have a donut with your morning Joe, then offset it with this as a healthy lunch. One Hass avocado and two hard-boiled eggs will serve two with no cholesterol and monounsaturated good fat that may actually lower your blood cholesterol levels. Powerful stuff, huh?
In another lifetime,
May 15, 2013
I must have been a monk. What else but familiarity with a monastic life would explain my constant attraction to the simplest of plank tables? A few long unfinished wooden boards and you have a gathering spot for eating, playing games, working out the details of a project or planning your future. A quick wipe with a damp cloth when you’re done and before you know it a patina has developed giving just a hint of the history that took place there. Nothing fancy, a bit organic, but definitely simplequietmodern.
If you are lucky enough to find a table with as much age and character as the one here seen on http://blackeiffel.blogspot.com/ , a few Bertoia dining chairs will complement it nicely.
http://hivemodern.com/pages/product474/knoll-harry-bertoia-side-chair-with-seat-cushion
mmmm…cake
May 7, 2013
Crazy Chocolate Cake to be more accurate. About the only crazy thing I recognize , other than there are no eggs in this cake, is the fact that I have never had a can of cocoa powder in my kitchen… ever. I have never cooked or baked with it but decided that I needed to give it a try when I saw this recipe ( and several others that were near identicle) and read the raves. In true simplequietmodern fashion it went together quickly with a bowl and a wooden spoon…no power appliances needed. Who’s going to argue with a deep rich chocolate cake made from scratch? The frosting? What do you think? Something white and fluffy like a Seven Minute Frosting or more chocolate like a Sour Cream Ganache? For now I think I’ll go with a little whipped cream and some berries.
For the recipe go here: http://veganconnection.com/recipes/crazy.htm and if you’d like to trick it out for a special occasion go here:http://www.thehungrymouse.com/2010/04/07/mocha-layer-cake-with-sour-cream-ganache/
Three ingredients…count ’em
April 25, 2013
three , plus the simplest vinaigrette. Celery Salad . Unbelievably simple…just celery, dates and almonds…tossed with a basic lemon/olive oil vinaigrette. Green, fresh, crunchy, tart and sweet…it covers a lot of bases and it is so simple it almost begs for an alteration if the need should arise. No almonds? How about hazelnuts. Dried cherries or raisins instead of the dates?…why not? Even the addition of some crumbled blue cheese would be a welcome addition here. And, it’s as easy to make a single serving as to adjust the amounts up if you’re serving a group.
simplequietmodern 