I Didn’t Know Jack
September 17, 2018
Jackfruit. I had no idea that this Asian superfood is an everyday staple in South and Southest Asia. Used in both its green and ripe forms, from savory dishes to desserts, Jackfruit is a great source of protein, potassium, calcium and iron. Benefits of eating JackFruit include improved energy, regulated blood pressure and better cardiovascular health, improved digestion, cancer prevention and enhanced vision. That said, I thought it was time to try to integrate some Jackfruit into my Meatless Monday rotation. My early simple plan was to cook it up in barbecue sauce as a pork-less pulled pork. Then I got sidetracked by a suggestion from one of the guys at my local Trader Joe’s to use it in place of crab in crab cakes. That did it, I was off and running. Starting with the crab cakes, I offered the first couple of test batches to friends. Their response was unanimous …” Wow, these are fantastic”. Who’s going to argue with that?
Then I went back to my original thought and whipped up a little faux “pulled pork” using Trader Joe’s recipe and their Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce and Marinade. Could not have been simpler. Piled on a brioche bun topped with some slaw and chopped onion? Another meatless Monday winner. See for yourself. Looks just like pulled pork, doesn’t it? Recipe here: https://www.traderjoes.com/recipes/lunch/pulled-jackfruit-sandwich
Photos:gp
Like A Blur
September 10, 2018
One minute it was the 4th of July and the next it’s nearly the middle of September. I know it was Summer because it was plenty hot, but it came and went like a steamy blur. I guess a heavy schedule had me focusing daily on the seasons simplest pleasures, squeezing some Summer fun into every day. And, now that Fall is growing closer, I’m glad I did.
Top to bottom:
The best peach ever tossed to me one day at lunch. Does it get any better or simply scream Summer than a big ripe juicy peach?
A little maintenance on the climbing Hydrangea and hedges, and the addition of some new annual material had the yard pulled together in no time.
Visiting the farmers markets regularly for local Midwest Gladiolus and vegetables. The glads make a simple modern statement for 2-3 bucks and will last all week. The locally grown produce, when transformed into G’s Chow Chow, will carry that Summer brightness right into Fall.
For the recipe…https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/06/16/quite-the-pickle/
A little daydreaming on a summer afternoon never hurt. I seemed to frequently drift to visions of a small Modern house in the desert. This one looks just right. Photo: https://www.thrillist.com/home/gorgeous-prefab-homes-and-cheapest-land-for-sale-in-every-state-for-building
Six years old…Baby Hambone Jaxon 3000. While he was treated to his favorite mixed berry treats, cake for his friends and fans is definitely in order. And what could be more fitting of the Puli personality and sense of humor than a modern naked take on a confetti cake from Milk Bar? Photo: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/momofuku-milk-bars-birthday-layer-cake
Linen in Summer, wool for Fall. The best qualities of both can be found in Flax Down and Linen Quill Yarn from Purl Soho. These three skeins in Kettle Black will produce their Swath Wrap, the perfect transition to Fall and Winter. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2018/09/05/swath-wrap/
photos: gp (unless otherwise noted)
A simple setting…
July 9, 2018
for the entire summer. A spacious table with coordinated bench seating that satisfies my minimalist taste. Steel construction finished in matte black powder-coat make it equally at home outside or in. The Supermetal Table and benches, by Chiara Ferrari, is currently only available for delivery in Southern California. That won’t stop me from adding it to my wish list just in case that changes sometime soon. Besides sitting down to burgers and potato salad outdoors all Summer, how great would this be indoors come Thanksgiving?
Photos: http://www.betterlivingthroughdesign.com/furnishings/supermetal-table-by-chiara-ferrari/
Cool…Sweet…Creamy
June 18, 2018
and no special equipment needed. Nothing could be simpler than this No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream from the kitchens at Everyday Food. Four ingredients and a 10 minute prep produce a quart and a half of what is sure to be a Summertime “go to”. Start by combining a 14oz. can of sweetened condensed milk, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of bourbon. In a separate bowl beat 2 cups of chilled heavy cream to stiff peaks. Using a rubber spatula gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture until thoroughly combined. Pour into a standard 4 1/2″ x 8 1/2 ” loaf pan, cover with waxed paper or plastic wrap and freeze until firm, approximately 6 hours. That’s it. Done and done. A rich silky vanilla ice cream ready to serve on its own, doused with some chilled espresso as an Affogato, accompanying a Summer berry shortcake, “floating” in a tall glass of ginger or root beer or maybe hitting that sweet/salty note with a handful of roasted salted cashews.
Recipe: https://www.marthastewart.com/355960/no-churn-vanilla-ice-cream
photos:gp
Perfect Timing
June 11, 2018
After a Winter that seemed endless and the shortest Spring ever, the timing is perfect for Heath Ceramics Summer Seasonal collection. From our favorite bud vases in Wildflower, Zinnia and Black Plum to the debut of new glazes like Sunset Fade on the Deep Serving Bowl and Sorbet on the Multi Stem Vase, it’s clear from where the inspiration was drawn..Summer flowers in pinks and oranges, glorious Summer sunsets and juicy late Summer fruits.
Heath Ceramic photos: http://www.heathceramics.com/summer-seasonal
Peony and plum photos: gp
You’ve Got This
April 23, 2018
A few pantry staples…spaghetti, canned tuna, breadcrumbs, Kalamata olives…a bit of flat leaf parsley, a lemon, plus a splash of olive oil. That’s it. A minimal prep while the spaghetts is cooking and you have a simple Springtime supper on the table in under thirty minutes.
Lemon zest, roughly chopped parsley and olives with a squeeze of lemon juice and a splash of olive oil makes the sauce when tossed with the hot pasta and a bit of the cooking liquid. Gently fold in the toasted breadcrumbs and tuna and you’re done. Couldn’t be simpler.
If you’re culinarily challenged let Sarah Carey at Everyday Food walk you through this. https://www.marthastewart.com/920109/edfw1118-spaghetti-wtuna-breadcrumbs-edfwmov
photos: gp
Takin’ It Outside
April 8, 2018
It won’t be long before we’ll be moving outdoors for our morning coffee, a sunny lunch or relaxing dinner.What could be more simple and welcoming than a long planked table and bench cozied up to a sprawling banquette? I’ve been inspired by this photo for so long, I’m thinking it might be time for a little weekend DIY before the weather breaks.
Photo: http://remash.tumblr.com
To Spring
March 18, 2018
No time like the present…middle of March…snow and ice up to here, still…and the official start of Spring just a few days away…to lighten up the cocktail menu. I was intrigued by a cocktail combination of Bourbon, lemon and tonic. So, I started with a glass of ice, a nice shot of Bourbon, a squeeze and drop of a lemon wedge and a topping off of tonic. The BLT. After the first sip I have to admit it was surprisingly fresh. Who knew? Especially when tonic is typically reserved for mixing with vodka or gin. Then the wheels started turning. Could the lily be gilt with the addition of St. Germaine? The answer is yes. The addition of 1/2 oz. of elderflower liquor is lovely. Either way, despite the weather, it tasted like Spring to me.
Photo: gp
Which Came First?
March 15, 2018
Clearly, these special chickens lay special eggs that require special packaging. And, that’s exactly what Catherine Delphia and Aaron Dunn of The Fancy F provide. Their collection of rare breed chickens produce eggs in colors from mint and olive to pink and brown. If the colors weren’t enough, Catherine designed the minimalist packaging to showcase each dozen beautifully…in mixed or single shades. With Easter around the corner can you imagine the look on a recipients face upon receiving a gift of these? It could be worth a road trip to this Hudson Valley farm to find out.
Photos: https://www.thefancyf.com/ and https://www.gardenista.com/posts/colorful-eggs-and-designer-egg-cartons-from-the-fancy-f-farm-hudson-valley-ny/
Mix ‘Em Up
March 12, 2018
Or, stick to a solid in neutrals or brights. Even though the weather has been too inclement to entertain the thought of a Spring picnic, you can start planning ahead. And, if not a picnic, why not elevate a simple working lunch at your desk? These recycled bamboo place settings will add a bit of simplequietmodern style to either scenario and have you ditching the plastic serve ware and utensils at the same time. Light weight, stack-able, dishwasher safe and made of recycled sustainable bamboo a single place setting could fit neatly in your desks snack drawer or several would take up little space in a packed hamper once the weather breaks.
Photos: https://food52.com/shop/products/4476-recycled-bamboo-4-piece-place-setting#
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