Uncle
April 19, 2018
OK… new plan. While it’s already the middle of April and the snow, ice and frigid temperatures continue, I’m thinking a jump-start on next Winter might be a good idea. I’ve started some cuttings of yellow twig Dogwood to work into the landscape as soon as I’m able to get a shovel in the ground. The bright chartreuse stems should brighten things up when the world has gone all black and white. Added bonus…bright green leaves with white blossoms in Spring, clusters of white berries through the Summer and the bark turning bright red through the Fall.
Mid April…really?
Top two photos: gp
Bottom photo via: https://www.thetreecenter.com/yellow-twig-dogwood/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIooCriYnG2gIVl7XACh2IyAQsEAQYAiABEgIcM_D_BwE
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/
Give a Bunch…
March 1, 2018
keep a bunch. How about spreading a little joy while waiting for Spring to officially arrive on March 20th? Nothing heralds the advent of Spring quite like Daffodils. Their bright sunny yellow and gentle fragrance are like nothing else. And, at just a couple of bucks a bunch nearly everywhere, you can afford to treat yourself as well as a friend or two. It’s been said that presenting a bunch of Daffodils to another will ensure happiness and good fortune. Who’s going to argue with that kind of return?
Photos: gp
Everyone loves…
February 11, 2018
a happy ending. No matter what your Valentine’s Day plans are for Wednesday, finish things off with these Chocolate Raspberry Champagne Truffles. Gather your handful of ingredients and it’s as simple as melt, set, cut and dust.
G’s Chocolate Raspberry Champagne Truffles
Prep an 8″ loaf pan by buttering it lightly and lining with a piece of parchment leaving a couple of inches of overhang on the long sides.
Gather your ingredients:
20 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
a pinch of kosher salt
1/2 package Trader Joe’s Freeze Dried Raspberries ( 1.2 oz package) lightly crushed
1/3 cup Champagne or Prosecco
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted, for dusting finished truffles.
In a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water combine chocolate, cream and salt until smooth. Make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl.
Remove from heat and stir in champagne until thoroughly incorporated and then mix in the freeze-dried raspberries.
Pour mixture into prepared pan and smooth top.
Refrigerate to set up at least 8 and up to 24 hours.
Remove truffle loaf from pan using parchment sling after loosening edges with a knife warmed in hot water, then dried.
Cut the loaf in half crosswise. Cut each half into sixteen pieces, re-heating and drying the knife as needed. Toss the individual rectangular truffles in the sifted cocoa powder to coat.
Yield: 32 two bite truffles
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Photos: gp
My inspiration was Cindy Rahe’s recipe for found here: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/champagne_chocolate_truffles/
Reason to Celebrate
January 19, 2018
If I could be anywhere tomorrow for just the day it would Amsterdam, celebrating National Tulip Day. As Tulips are my absolute hands down favorite I’m already geared up to celebrate myself here at home. It doesn’t take much…a pristine glass cylinder vase filled with cool water and a bunch or five in any color…any variety.
Photos: gp
To Wrap or Not
January 7, 2018
While the jury is still out on the efficacy of protecting the garden by wrapping it in burlap, the practice continues, primarily among the affluent due to its significant cost. There are two schools of thought as to the application; one more closely wrapped, draped and sewn into place, the other, attached to a wooden framework leaving a bit of breathing room between the “protection” and the plant itself. Both add a Cristo-like quality to the landscape …one minimalist and architectural, the other more like garden couture. While my preference is the minimalist architectural approach, especially given the neutral quality of the jute fabric itself, I can’t help imagining that burlap in color against the dismal winter landscape. A singular pop of hot pink, orange or chartreuse might be the visual spark needed to get us through the next couple of months. Couldn’t hurt.
All photos: David La Spina for The New York Times
Let’s Review
January 3, 2018
Another year has passed, and with it, another year of simplequietmodern. As I prepare for year seven, I’m excited to see what held your interest over the last twelve months. The MidCentury seating of Van Keppel Green, modern black fences, the “folded” plywood works of Harry Roseman, factory inspired windows and a cozy white Christmas topped the list. Thank you for your continued interest, for stopping and sharing your kind words, for your friendship…for indulging me.
We can’t celebrate without cake, can we? I’m thinking a Burnt Almond Torte from Prantl’s Bakery in Pittsburgh might be in order. And of course, some flowers.
Top to bottom: links to each of your favorite posts:
https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/08/03/case-study-van-keppel-green/
https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/03/31/black-fences/
https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/02/19/a-single-sheet/
https://simplequietmodern.com/2016/03/10/let-the-sun-shine-let-the-sun-shine-in/
https://simplequietmodern.com/2017/12/24/white-christmas/
torte photo: https://www.goldbely.com/prantls-bakery/15395-burnt-almond-torte
