It’s the little things.
February 9, 2017
Simple gestures are those that mean the most and are not quickly forgotten. One Valentines Day, many years ago, a single purple anemone wrapped in a cone of cellophane…tacked to my door. Such an unexpected surprise at the end of a long day, in the midst of a crazy work week. To this day I have no idea who left it but I remember the experience clearly, like it was yesterday. Go ahead. Spread some love.
Photo: gp
Stayin’ In
February 6, 2017
Why fight the mid-week Valentine dinner crowds when there’s a perfect opportunity this weekend to stay in and cook up an amazing Valentines meal yourself? Sweet and Savory Short Ribs have a total of three ingredients with white rice and a side of sugar snap peas rounding things out. A simple prep and a long slow braise allow plenty of time to relax with a movie while dinner is cooking.
The short ribs are braised in prune juice and teriyaki sauce served over white rice and topped with thinly sliced green onion. Sugar snap peas with a little toasted sesame oil are the perfect side. Simple enough. The Short ribs recipe can be found here: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/three-ingredient-sweet-and-savory-short-ribs
Chilaquiles
December 30, 2016
Mexican comfort food. Can you think of a better way to start the New Year than with a bowl of tortilla chips simmered in salsa and topped with a fried egg, cheese, avocado, onion and cilantro? The hardest part is the gathering of the ingredients. If you can put some salsa in a pot and fry an egg, you’ve got this.
Let Rick Bayless guide you through your first time using a handful of prepared ingredients. After that you’ll find yourself making them on the fly for breakfast lunch and dinner. http://www.fronterafiesta.com/cook/starters-snacks-a-light-meals/355-chilaquiles-with-salsa-and-eggs-
and to all a good night.*
December 24, 2016
The holiday seemed to speed up on us, didn’t it? Now that it’s here, all that needs to be done is to leave a plate out for Santa. These Nut Horns have been part of Christmas as long as I can remember. I’m thinking Santa will be pleased.
You might try Mrs. Donato’s recipe for nut horns found here. Thanks Leslie, it’s every grandma’s recipe. http://www.afriendtoknitwith.com/2016/12/mrs-donatos-nut-horns.html
photo: gp
* A Visit From St. Nicholas by Clement Clark Moore
Cause For Celebration
December 22, 2016
The Winter Solstice may herald the beginning of Winter but it also gifts us a little extra daylight each day…slowly inching us out of the darkness. Good reason to celebrate to be sure. I’m thinking a Stinger and an arm-load of white fringed tulips are in order.
Stinger: equal parts Brandy and white Creme de Menthe. In this case, on the rocks.
photos: gp
There’s Still Time
December 15, 2016
While there’s still time to make that online purchase and receive it before Christmas, you might consider whipping something up yourself. This knit body mitt can be completed in a couple of hours and would be a great stocking stuffer, small gift when paired with a handmade soap or a little personal indulgence. Sitting down to a bit of knitting zen couldn’t hurt either as things ramp up to the big day.
Top to bottom:
Linen Body Washcloth by Fog Linen at Need Supply Co. Photos:http://needsupply.com/linen-body-wash-cloth.html
Purl Soho Cotton Pure in Black Sand Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/cotton-pure.html
This near black cotton from Purl Soho is a perfect choice if you’re knitting it up yourself. And, it’s available in over forty colors. Simple put, cast on to knit up a rectangle 12″ wide and knit until you reach ten inches. Cast off, fold in half, seam up the side and close one end. I’d suggest a simple pattern of k 1 p 1 across and k all the way back…you’ll end up with a rib on one side and a pebbled texture on the reverse. Done.
15-0343 TCX
December 13, 2016
AKA ” Greenery”, Pantone Color Institute color of the Year for 2017. You could almost see this one coming. A bright yellow-green offering us hope, promise, rebirth and rejuvenation*. That’s a tall order for a single color. You might think about taking it for a test drive now, and use it as a starting point when decking your halls. Simple winter ” greenery “, assorted cones , a hit of vintage inspired ornaments…
*According to Pantone. Top image via:http://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2017
middle photo:gp
Ornament photo:http://www.shopterrain.com/holiday-tree-ornaments/miniature-bulb-set
All you could ask for…
December 10, 2016
in a holiday cookie. Gently spiced with deep rich molasses flavor. A crispy edge with a chewy middle. And, best yet…simple. Fifteen minute prep and less than one half hour to bake them off, my adaptation of a Chewy Molasses Cookie from Epicurious.
photos:gp
Along The Way
December 7, 2016
Throughout the year I may stumble upon an idea or an item or two that seem like the perfect gift come Christmastime. If you follow simplequietmodern you may have noticed some of them popping up over the last many months…others just jotted down and slipped into a file until they’re needed. Like now.
Top to bottom:
Set of three natural broom cake testers for you, and two of your favorite bakers. photo via http://lostine.com/collections/kitchen/products/cake-tester
Worse than running out of Champagne is running out of glasses. Everyone could use a specially price set of 8 cylinder flutes at the holidays. The rest if the year they can be put into service as a simple cluster of vases. photo via http://www.cb2.com/set-of-8-cylinder-champagne-flutes/s422283
It reminds me of those great Sputnik inspired Christmas ornaments of the 50’s, but on a much grander scale at 24″. Who wouldn’t love to receive this simple statement? photo via http://www.shopterrain.com/holiday-home-decor/winters-night-star
Based on Woodcut by artist Brian Nash Gill is this simplequietmodern set of 12 notecards. We all know someone who would rather put pen to paper than text. Photo via https://www.purlsoho.com/woodcut-notecards.html#
A perennial favorite… the Heath Ceramics Holiday Candle. Their large modern cup, in Linen, is filled with a soy wax candle by Scents of San Francisco in a warm spicy blend of cinnamon and fir. Photo via http://www.heathceramics.com/decorate-items/candles-and-lighting/holiday-candle
A little retro holiday sweet treat might be in order for someone, like these Bourbon Balls. A simple no-bake DIY that is always appreciated. photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=bourbon+balls
Cleaning Up
December 4, 2016
I’m a sucker for a linen dish towel. What can I say? I love natural linen. And, with all the holiday baking, cooking, prep, entertaining and clean-up it seems I can never have enough. A good linen apron doesn’t hurt either. You might have someone on your Christmas list that might feel the same.
Top to bottom:
My favorite Lithuanian linen towel from Fog Linen http://needsupply.com/linen-lined-kitchen-cloth.html
Black linen Garcon apron by Fog Linen http://needsupply.com/life/brands/fog-linen/linen-garcon-apron.html
Black brushstrokes screened on natural cotton and linen by Cotton and Flax is made in the USA http://needsupply.com/linen-tea-towel-brushstroke.html
White dot pattern screened on natural flax by Hawkins New York http://needsupply.com/linen-printed-tea-towel-dot.html
All photos via Need Supply Co.
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