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
She Must Have Known
December 12, 2018
Decades before the arrival of the flat panel TV, Florence Knoll had designed the 116 credenza…simple case, sliding panel doors, leather pulls, interior drawer and shelves set on iron legs. As you would expect over the last 70 years it’s minimal style genius was put to great use in living rooms, dining rooms and offices alike. Today, I can’t help thinking that Florence must have had a premonition that the 116 would be a great perch for today’s flat screen. And, it would if you were able to get your hands on one. Hey Santa, a little help please? I’ve got just the spot.
Photo: Plastolux
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Friendly Reminder
December 5, 2018
As your gift purchases from cyber week start arriving, don’t forget to save that packing material. In a few weeks they’ll come in handy when those gifts need to be wrapped. The addition of some found objects, simple cord, repurposed ribbon or the most restrained spritz of metallic or color is all that’s needed to create a distinctive presentation that is cost-effective, ecologically beneficial and best of all free.
photos: gp
O Christmas Tree
November 30, 2018
Or, no Christmas tree. While I love a fresh tree I’m never opposed to rethinking the traditional Christmas tree by deconstructing it or reimagining it in simplequietmodern style. A sheet of plywood and a few strings of lights? BOOM! Modern Christmas magic!
Photos and Geneva Vanderzeil’s complete DIY tutorial found here: https://apairandasparediy.com/2015/12/diy-string-light-christmas-tree/
Jackpot
November 25, 2018
I recently ran across an unused gift card in my desk drawer…then another. Then, an online credit memo. Yoo hoo! What I had tucked away for safe keeping I had completely forgotten about. I think I’ll use this “found cash” to jump start my holiday shopping…maybe pick up a little perk for myself in the process. Just in time for Cyber Monday. Check those drawers, people.
A few ideas to kick off the season, top to bottom:
A new glaze, Zinc, on Heath Ceramics Coupe Dessert Bowl courtesy of that unearthed online credit memo. Photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/collections/bowls/products/dessert-bowl-coupe
This Floating Gemstones Necklace Kit from Purl Soho provides enough material to create several great gifts in the month ahead. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/floating-gemstones-necklace-kit.html
Also from Purl Soho, Posy, a hand-dyed Superwash Cashmere, Merino and Nylon blend yarn. Gift the skeins to your favorite knitter or whip up a warm cap or scarf in this Winter-busting shade…Sour Gooseberry. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/posy-gift-list-gallery.html
If you’re itching to start decking the halls, Trader Joe’s has the best value in town with their mixed evergreen wreaths. Photo: gp
Start them now and you’ll have gorgeous amaryllis in bloom for Christmas. This moss covered bulb is available from Terrain. Photo: https://www.shopterrain.com
Eucharisteo
November 22, 2018
From the Greek meaning thanksgiving…to be thankful. And, on this day let’s do just that, give thanks.
Then, pie.
Photo:gp
Finishing Touches
November 18, 2018
With Thanksgiving dinner under control it might be a good idea to give a little thought to setting the table. Whether you’re hosting a few or a crowd, that table will be full, so keep things simple. No elaborate centerpiece, just a simplequietmodern statement of a neutral palette and a scattering of a few fresh flowers, fruit and fall leaves scavenged from the yard. Maximum style impact…very little effort. Done.
Top to bottom:
While I generally favor Bosc pears for their warm sueded finish, this year I’ll be using Quince. Over the weekend they’ll be transformed into Quince Paste or Membrillo to enjoy later. Photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2012/12/14/small-plates/
For everyday use or any special gathering there is nothing like the classic modern statement of Heath Ceramics Coupe Dinnerware and new Muir Flatware. Photo: https://www.heathceramics.com
I’m a sucker for a natural jute linen napkin. This one in Flax linen shot with silver brings it up a modern notch for the holiday. Photo: https://www.unisonhome.com/new/new-holiday-catalog/etoile-flax-and-silver-napkin.html
I’m still loving pink for Fall so why not the best of the MidCentury floral offerings than pale pink carnations? Just a few in each small container…cup, cocktail glass or vase…scattered about should do it. Photo: gp
Check your yard for just a handful of perfect fallen leaves.This year I’m liking the way the shape color and texture of these oak leaves works tucked in with everything else. Photo:gp
Make a Wish
November 16, 2018
If you were hoping Hans Wegner’s iconic C-24 ” Wishbone” chair was available in more than the 105 options already offered, you’ve gotten your wish. For a limited time Carl Hansen & Sons is offering the C-24 in a special edition in celebration of their 110th birthday. Available in eight colors with a natural paper cord seat, this specially priced limited edition will only be available until the end of this year. So many choices. That didn’t complicate the decision making did it?
Photo top: limited edition C 24 in Oyster Gray https://www.carlhansen.com/en/collection/chairs/ch24/wishbone-chair-oak-black-natur/variant/701
Photo bottom: http://remash.tumblr.com/post/179794332769/two-pavillions-tom-robertson-architects-photos
Crisis Averted
November 11, 2018
Before serving up a new recipe to your guests this Thanksgiving it might be a good idea to give it a test run or two. A fast or slow oven, even an ingredient omission or misprint, can spell disaster. Working out the kinks beforehand will guarantee success. Less than two weeks left…better get on it.
Top to bottom:
Follow the directions on any package of fresh cranberries and add a bit of fresh or candied ginger to the mix.
Once you’ve mastered Gougere you’ll be making them any time there’s a gathering and some Champagne. https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=gougere
Once we started roasting them, Brussels Sprouts became everyone’s favorite side. A little Bacon, a drizzle of walnut oil couldn’t hurt either. https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=Roasted+Brussels
Jackfruit “crab-less” crab cakes…another new ” go to” appetizer. https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=JackFruit
Roasting off a Hubbard squash provides a superior result over canned pumpkin if you’re in the mood for pie. https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=Hubbard+squash+pie
photos: gp
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