Happy Anniversary to…
January 6, 2022
simplequietmodern. Yep, ten years down and ready to dig into number eleven. As always, you know what I say about any celebration…there’s gotta be cake. To be sure, there will be cake at some point, but for now I’m thinking a glass of something festive to toast and a box of sparklers will have to do the trick in these uncertain times. It’s not a time to be gathering and I’m not about to polish off a cake by myself. For now I might just dream about cakes from the last decade that are contenders.
After the bubbly, from the top:
What’s more festive and modern than a naked confetti cake? Photo: Bon Appetit
Maybe something simple. It doesn’t get any simpler that chocolate cake with with white frosting.
Mocha Layer Cake with Sour Cream Ganache? I feel a nap coming on. photo: the Hungry Mouse
I’ve been looking for an excuse to make this cake for years. Cake and meringue baked together and stacked with whipped cream. And, did I mention it has walnuts in it? Maybe this year.
Or perhaps this showstopper created by my friend, architect Kirsten Johnstone. Yes, please. photo: Kirsten Johnstone
Photos: gp unless noted.
Wake Up
January 1, 2022
It’s a brand new year. And, with that, comes the hope of a better year. Not too much to ask, is it? Before we get started we might need a little sustenance on this long holiday weekend. Any of the following are easy to pull together in just a little time and pair nicely with a glass or two of something sparkling. Happy New Year!
From the top:
Pop that cork, it’s time to start cooking. Champagne or Prosecco straight or with a festive splash of peach or pomegranate juice will get things started.
If you were lucky enough to have been gifted a Panettone for the holidays, now’s the perfect time to turn it into French toast and serve it up with a big bowl of Cara Cara oranges. Done.
Chilaquiles are a always a fun way to start the day, or the New Year. Rick Bayless will walk you though it here. http://www.fronterafiesta.com/cook/starters-snacks-a-light-meals/355-chilaquiles-with-salsa-and-eggs-
One of my super simple favorites that I don’t make often enough is Salade Lyonnaise. A slab of artisan toast topped with a salad of frisee’, a poached egg and some beautiful thick bacon. My Maple Vinaigrette is easy enough: 2 tablespoons general use olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple Cider Vinegar, 2 tablespoons dark amber maple syrup. For any special breakfast, brunch, lunch or light supper, this is hard to beat.
photos: gp
Sweet Treats
December 9, 2021
When it comes to the holidays, sweet treats seem to take center stage. They also seem to take over, as we hurry to try every new recipe or explore every popular new trend. We end up scrambling to gather our goods and eke out the time in the kitchen to get things done. Now, with both supply chain issues and increased prices throwing a wrench into the works, it might b a good time to limit your holiday offerings to just one or two, just to simplify things. I’ve pulled a few favorites from the last ten years that will not only give you a a great result… no one will be disappointed.
From the top
Nothing says simple in a holiday cookie than shortbread. Sugar, butter and flour plus a little simple decoration if you’d like and you’re done. https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/12
These classic nut horns are every grandma’s secret recipe. Until now you thought it was lost. You’re welcome. http://www.afriendtoknitwith.com/2016/12/mrs-donatos-nut-horns.html
Nothing says retro Christmas like a Bourbon Ball. This recipe from Garden and Gun magazine could not be easier. https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=bourbon+balls
While you can enjoy these Maple Glazed Walnuts all year long, they are particularly welcome with a holiday cocktail. The original recipe can be found here, http://www.fifteenspatulas.com/
A spicy Molasses Cookie can’t be beat at Christmastime. Gild the lily if you must with a bit of raspberry or apricot preserves and turn them into thumbprints.
When I was having oven issues several years ago this amazing recipe for Candied Orange and Ginger Bark kept everyone happy. What’s not to love?…dark chocolate, candied orange, candied ginger and pistachios! http://www.canadianliving.com/food/baking_and_desserts/candied_orange_and_ginger_bark.php
photos: gp
It’s Been 10 Years
December 6, 2021
Yep, hard to believe, but this month marks the end of 10 years since the start of simplequietmodern. Ten years has brought a lot of posts, ideas and pictures. Let’s look back at December 2012 and see what we were up to, shall we? Here are a few favorites of yours…. a few of mine.
Top to bottom:
A makeshift tree of fallen birch from the yard decorated in simple contrast with a collection of vintage glass ornaments in pink.
A tray of Ina Garten’s Gougere straight from the oven. A chilled bottle of champagne can’t be more than an arm’s length away.
Vintage Christmas ornaments… edited to this group of all silver and pink.
Fresh quince waiting to be cooked down into quince paste, or Membrillo. A welcome addition to any holiday charcuterie board.
While I could make them all year round I limit my favorite Espresso Hazelnut Cookies to Christmastime.
And, lastly… but most importantly, the arrival of my partner in crime, Baby Hambone Jaxon 3000. Quite simply the best.
photos: gp Revisit all the posts here. https://simplequietmodern.com/2012/12/
Now, more than ever…
November 25, 2021
is the time to give thanks. However you plan on spending this holiday, do so carefully. Happy Thanksgiving.
Photo of the outdoor feast via https://www.remodelista.com/ all other photos: gp
What’s For Lunch?
October 11, 2021
If the cool rainy Fall days are having you craving a bowl of soup, well, you are not alone. I whipped this up on the fly with what I had in the pantry. Perfect, because I was not interested in running out for a single ingredient. A good handful of small Yukon Gold potatoes, an onion, a few cloves of garlic, some chicken stock and a bag of baby arugula and you are good to go.
Start by chopping the onion and sautéing it in in a glug of olive oil until translucent. Add a couple, 3 cloves of garlic peeled…smashed with the side of a knife and cook for a minute. Cube the scrubbed potatoes with the skins on into quarters and add to the pot with an additional glug of olive oil and toss around for 3-4 minutes until some of the starch has leached out and a nice potato fond has developed on the bottom of the pan. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Add approximately 6 cups of chicken stock and bring to a boil. Cover and lower the heat to medium low and cook until the potatoes are cooked. Stir in a bag of pre-washed baby arugula, cover and remove from heat. When the arugula is wilted, blitz it up with an immersion blender to a rough puree. Top it off with a scattering of roasted pepitas. Done. Under 1/2 hour start to finish. If you are lucky enough to own a Heath Ceramic Chez Panisse Soup Bowl for serving…well, even better.
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- photos: gp
It’s three o’clock…
September 22, 2021
and you need a little somethin somethin to hold you over till dinner. This is it. Apricot, Date and Cashew Snack Balls. You know how we love a simplequietmodern recipe…few ingredients and even fewer steps with the best possible result. Simply gather your ingredients, pulse them up in the processor, roll them into balls. Really…that’s it. Since finding this recipe by Gena Hamshaw on Food 52 I’ve made a batch every week. I’ve also modified the ingredients like adding a few toasted hazelnuts to the mix or subbing in some raisins for a few of the apricots. Each change is as good as the original. Now go get your healthy snack on.
From the top, photo: gp
second photo: Alpha Smoot via Food 52
For recipe: https://food52.com/recipes/30743-apricot-date-and-cashew-snack-balls
Get the Grill On
September 6, 2021
While I’ve never warmed up to the idea of grilled Romaine, I have on occasion enjoyed the severely grilled hot dog. When I saw this “Big Little Recipe” from Food 52 I started rethinking things. Grilled Romaine with Hot Dog Crispies and Pickle Mustard Vinaigrette seemed to tick all the right boxes; simple, short list of ingredients, easily adjusted for one or two to a larger group. And, what better time to take this for a test run than Labor Day. The grill is already going, right?
Photo: https://food52.com/recipes/83773-grilled-romaine-hot-dog-crispies-pickle-mustard-vinaigrette
Ok, this “Cremator” from Rutt’s Hutt in Clifton, NJ might need to be on my bucket list. I’m thinking it may have been the inspiration for the salad’s hot dog ” crispies”.photo: Barstool Sports
I’m Back
August 27, 2021
Clearly, the last year and a half have been challenging for all of us. Tech issues being the last to be tackled has left me and simplequietmodern basically MIA. But, now we’re back. And, glad to be back to be sure. Before we attempt to catch up, I think a random selection of images from past posts will remind us of where we’ve been and help me focus more clearly on where we’ll go from here. Thank you for checking in and thanks in advance for your patience should we encounter a hiccup or two as we come back up to speed.
Top to bottom:
It’s hard to believe but Baby Hambone Jaxon is celebrating his ninth birthday. Even with Covid you know there will be treats.
If you’re still working from home you might want to consider some appropriate task lighting. This Muuto Tip lamp through Knoll could fit the bill. Photo:Knoll
And no… I still have not narrowed down the candidates for the reupholstering of this vintage Saarinen Executive Lounge chair.
You don’t think you need it until you do. The Landscaper’s Hori Hori Photo: Terrain
My first generation Herman Miller Aeron chair is in need of a tune up. Easier said than done. Photo: Herman Miller
I had the opportunity to install this Billow wallcovering from Knoll on a residential project. Yes, slowly some beautiful things were getting done. Photo: Knoll
Just as the pandemic hit I had treated myself to a pair of Vivobarefoot Gobi II Desert Boots. What can I say? I love a desert boot. Two thumbs up. Photo: Vivobarefoot
My favorite design inspiration…vintage Florence Knoll Photo: Knoll
Still looking great even after a twister last summer tore the yard up good. This climbing hydrangea hides a cluster of electrical meters while the tall clipped yew hedge does the same for the furnace and A/C.
Simple summer pleasures. What’s better in August than local Midwest Glads…especially in white.
Before Cauliflower Pizza Crust…this Southern Chow Chow. The perfect blend of pickled cauliflower, onions and yellow peppers brightened with Turmeric.
As the shadows grow longer a simple linen covered daybed could be just the spot to kick back and take a nap. Photo: Remodelista
Cordyline Red Star… Again, the seasonal selection to fill my modern low bowl planters after my search for Artichokes turned up zip.
Yes you can! Make yourself some homemade vanilla ice cream. Just a few ingredients and no ice cream maker needed.
Unless noted, all photos by GP
I didn’t include links here, but if you use the search bar at the top of the page you will be taken to the original post.
A bowl of cherries…
July 19, 2020
on a hot July afternoon sounded perfect. Turning them into a cocktail after another week of madness on every level…even better. For your consideration, the Cherry Bourbon Old Fashioned.
This couldn’t be easier. Pit 6-8 fresh cherries and add to your glass. Next 3 dashes Bitters, a tablespoon of maple syrup, a squeeze of lemon. Muddle to break the cherries and release their juice.
Continue with 2 oz. of Bourbon, a bit of ice and a quick stir. Done. Now, turn off the news, head outside to the yard and have a seat. You’re welcome.
photos: gp
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