Reason to Celebrate
May 3, 2019
It’s May. And if that wasn’t reason enough to celebrate, this first weekend brings us both the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo. Like we needed an excuse for a delightful Bourbon cocktail or quick plate of Mexican. So, what’ll it be? Maybe both.
Top to bottom:
A Derby Classic, the Mint Julep. http://gardenandgun.com/media/mint-julep
Brown Butter Bourbon Blondies https://simplequietmodern.com/2016/05/01/brown-butter-bourbon-blondies/
Take your pick for lunch on a Sunday… Chilaquiles or Lentil Tacos. No bad choices here. https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=Chilaquiles https://simplequietmodern.com/2017/05/02/lentil-tacos/
photos: gp
April showers bring May flowers,
April 23, 2019
and, the unexpected early release of Heath Ceramics Summer Seasonal Collection. In Spring greens ranging from bright speckled Canary to glossy vibrant emerald, you’ll be sure to find just the right piece to jump-start the season. I’m always partial to the trio of bud vases and the tall modern cup, but the Coupe Serving Platter, Dessert and Vegetable Bowls and Plaza Tray Set in this collection look like they’re ready to step into service now, serving up the best offerings of Spring and Summer.
All photos via Heath. https://www.heathceramics.com/collections/summer-seasonal
Better Than Takeout
March 6, 2019
Nothing hits the spot on a cold Winter day better than a hot bowl of soup. And, if you can whip up a steaming bowl of comfort in a just a few minutes with only 5 pantry ingredients….well, I’m on it. I’ve had a craving lately for Egg Drop Soup. So, when l ran across this simple recipe on Food52 I knew I had to give it a try. Add an egg roll and you’ve got lunch or a light supper.
Recipe for Yih-Jen Ku’s grandma’s recipe can be found here: https://food52.com/blog/23758-easy-egg-drop-soup-recipe-10-minutes-best-winter-soup
photo: gp
Cleared For Take-Off
February 22, 2019
Picture it…1966…the height of the glamorous age of jet travel. Arriving and departing through the Jetson-esque TWA terminal designed by Eero Saarinen. It was the modern future. And, it was stunning. Now all of that MidCentury style has been recaptured in the new TWA Hotel in New York. The original iconic terminal structure is the centerpiece piece of a complex that includes not only the new hotel towers, but a fitness center, meeting spaces, a restaurant and a vintage 1956 Lockheed Constellation put into new service as a cocktail lounge. The guest rooms have been fitted with Knoll Classic furnishings including Saarinen designed pieces like the classic Womb Chair for relaxing and his Executive chair at the desk. Set to open its doors in May, room reservations are being taken now, online. Wow.
Photos: https://www.twahotel.com/
Just a Little Something
February 14, 2019
A grand gesture isn’t always necessary when it comes to Valentines Day. Simple quiet expressions of your affections are equally appreciated, especially when the holiday falls mid-week and you would prefer to spend the evening in. Here are just a few suggestions that are sure to be well received should you be drawing a blank.
Top to bottom:
A chilled bottle of Brut Rose or Prosecco waiting for you at the end of the day. What’s not to love?
Just a few perfect fragrant blooms makes the perfect simplequietmodern statement.
Get a quick Pesto Pizza going while you’re queuing up Netflix. https://simplequietmodern.com/2017/10/06/pizza-night/
It wouldn’t be Valentines Day without a little chocolate. How about these Chocolate Raspberry Champagne Truffles. https://simplequietmodern.com/2018/02/11/everyone-loves/
Photos: gp
What a Week
February 4, 2019
Last week was simply brutal with its wind, snow, ice and dangerously low temperatures. Then, surprise, a quick thaw and a bit of good news with the prediction of an early Spring. Something to celebrate to be sure. A simple Sunday breakfast was just the ticket here, with Panettone French Toast, bacon, a bowl of Cara Cara oranges and a glass of Prosecco. Oh yeah, that’s better.
Photos: gp
Lucky 7
January 4, 2019
Seven years shot by like a bullet. Yep, simplequietmodern is celebrating its seventh anniversary. And, as usual, I like to reflect on the last year by looking at what you, the readers, were drawn to most. Black fences, concrete walls, black steel windows and doors and the Winter gardens of Piet Oudolf topped the list. Now, let’s see what will inspire us in year eight.
Could it really be a celebration without cake?
Top to bottom: links to the original posts
Black Fences…https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/03/31/black-fences/
Steel windows and doors…https://simplequietmodern.com/2016/03/10/let-the-sun-shine-let-the-sun-shine-in/
Concrete Wallcovering…https://simplequietmodern.com/2013/06/14/while-everyones-outside/
Piet Oudolf Winter landscapes…https://simplequietmodern.com/2016/01/17/winter-garden/
Milkbar Birthday cake photo: BonAppetite…https://shop.milkbarstore.com/collections/cakes/products/birthday-cake-six-inch
A simplequietmodern favorite when white tulips aren’t around. photo: gp
Congratulations
January 1, 2019
We’ve made it through another year. It was exhausting, wasn’t it? So much literal crazy coming from every which way at an unbelievable pace. So, as we start the New Year with a crisp clean page I’ve jotted down a few thoughts and observations to keep in mind as we go forward. Ideas that aren’t particularly new, but if put into practice might be able to affect a more positive productive change. And, if we start with ourselves and our surroundings it might just work its way up to the top. Here’s hoping.
No one likes a sore loser.
Cheaters never win.
Think before you speak.
It’s OK to say no.
Do the right thing.
Send someone some love.
Be good to yourself.
Keep it simple.
A glass of something sparkling and a plate of Chilaquiles would also be a comforting and festive start. Happy New Year!
photos: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2016/12/30/chilaquiles/
Simple Finish
December 23, 2018
A quick twist to Nigella Lawson’s Meringue Gelato Cake will have you serving up the perfect sweet ending to your holiday dinner with barely any effort at all. Much like my Pistachio Semifreddo, it’s as easy as whip, fold and freeze. Start by lining a loaf pan with plastic wrap leaving enough to fold over the contents of the filled pan. Next, roughly crush 2 cups of store-bought meringues…Trader Joe’s Vanilla or peppermint are perfect. Measure 1 oz. of candy canes and crush in a zip-lock with a rolling pin and shave 1 oz. of dark chocolate into fine shards. Lastly, whip 1 1/4 cup chilled heavy whipping cream to soft peaks. Now, gently fold the chocolate, crushed candy canes, meringues and 2 tablespoons of white Creme de Menthe into the whipped cream. Spoon mixture into the prepared pan, level and fold plastic wrap over to cover. Freeze at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. To serve, unmold onto a serving platter and cut into thick slices. A simple sauce of equal parts dark chocolate melted into heavy cream with a splash of white Creme de Menthe and a light touch of candy cane dust finishes each serving beautifully. Serves 6-8.
photos: gp
If you’d like Nigella’s recipe, it can be found here: https://food52.com/recipes/77525-nigella-lawson-s-meringue-gelato-cake-with-chocolate-sauce
Feeling more pistachio than peppermint? My recipe for Pistachio Semifreddo can be found here: https://simplequietmodern.com/2015/05/24/whip-it-fold-it-freeze-it/
Down to the Wire
December 17, 2018
There’s still time for some small last minute gifts. Here are a few sqm ideas to help you tick those last few boxes on that list.
Top to bottom:
From Heath Ceramics Classic Red Collection: the Tall Modern Cup in Ruby Red and Suede Red. It would be particularly special if it was filled with fresh flowers once a month for a year. photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/products/tall-modern-cup-ruby-red-suede-red
Memo blocks by Ito Bindery. Photo: https://www.odetothings.com/products/ito-bindery-memo-block?variant=5444084498463
Some homemade sweet treats are always appreciated… especially by those who are cooking and baking challenged. Use the search bar right at the top to access simplequietmodern recipes for Shortbreads, Maple Glazed Walnuts or Bourbon Balls for starters. Photo: gp
These Italian woven paper bags by UASHMAMA feel like leather. They can be the gift or become a special gifts modern reusable wrapping. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/uashmama-paper-bag.html
Potted white Helebores bring an unexpected freshness that will charm now, on the Solstice, Christmas and through to the New Year. Being able to plant it in the garden once winter breaks is an added bonus. Photo: gp
The holiday fragrance of cinnamon and fir poured into a reusable Heath Red Suede Cup. Once the candle is gone this gift keeps on giving…as a teacup or small vase. Photo: https://www. a .com/products/candle-large-modern-cup-ruby-red-suede-red
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