Time Flies
January 12, 2020
Well, it just does. There is no other explanation for the fact that simplequietmodern has just celebrated it’s eighth anniversary. At this time each year I am always interested in what subjects, products or photos you’ve been drawn to most. Black fences seems to have shot to the top of the list again along with a few of my favorites from Heath Ceramics…their new Muir flatware, classic field tiles and the updated Coupe line of Edith Heath’s iconic dinnerware. The simplicity of Spring flowering bulbs rounds out the top 5. Nice. So, thank you for faithfully checking in and checking things out…for indulging me in inspiring you and for your continued support and friendship.
photos:
Black fence: https://www.gardenista.com/posts/trend-alert-black-fences/
Muir flatware, Coupe Line and Heath Field Tile: https://www.heathceramics.com/
Tulips: gp
New Year, New Decade
January 9, 2020
While hindsight might be 20/20, the New Year brings with it new vision, new possibilities, a new look at old favorites. Take the classic Saarinen Dining Table for example. As long as I can remember there were only two options for me…white base with a white laminate top or, if your wallet was feeling generous, the white base with the Calacatta marble top. simplequietmodern perfection. Then the recent introduction of a new size and new top finish had me rethinking things…re-examining the fluid lines and sculptural form. In it’s new incarnation, the Saarinen oval dining table at 96″ will seat eight. And, the black base finish with the matte black laminate top…well, it’s just too good. While I’m comfortable most days in head to toe black, it’s no wonder I’ve fallen so hard. Add into the mix the Saarinen Executive Armchair upholstered in Knoll’s Classic Boucle in Onyx and the 20’s are off to a very good start.
Photos: https://www.knoll.com/shop
It’s A Date
December 29, 2019
It’s no secret that I prefer an assortment of “befores and afters” when gathering for the holidays, particularly New Years. Who couldn’t be satisfied with an assortment of appetizers, a glass of something sparkling with a finish of a little something sweet? That said, it’s not ever a bad idea to switch things up and add a something new to your usual mix. I first got hooked on stuffed dates at a favorite restaurant last winter but put off making them at home figuring they were too time consuming. Once I realized they were easily made ahead of time and rewarmed prior to serving, well that changed things. While there is a bit involved in prep, there are only a few ingredients…three actually…plus two pantry items for the glaze…pitted dates, blue cheese and bacon plus a little apple cider vinegar and maple syrup. Stuff pitted dates with a bit of your favorite blue cheese. Cook thin bacon that has been cut in half lengthwise until nearly crisp. While the bacon is still warm wrap each date with a slice and secure if necessary with a soaked wooden pick. Place wrapped dates on a foil lined baking sheet and brush with a glaze made of equal parts maple syrup and apple cider vinegar. Heat in a 400 degree oven brushing with additional glaze until warmed through. That’s it…done. Fair warning, these will go fast so plan accordingly.
While you’ve got the oven on you might take a few extra minutes to knock out a batch of gougere and check your supply of gougere’s best buddy…Champagne. The recipe can be found here. https://simplequietmodern.com/2012/12/18/gougere-i-think-its-french-for/
photos: gp
Happy Ending
December 20, 2019
Another twist on Nigella Lawson’s Meringue Gelato Cake? Yes sir. Last year’s candy cane version was such a hit I couldn’t resist trying to see how it worked with chocolate and coffee. Turns out it’s fantastic. And, with only the slightest tweaks to the original. I started with stirring two Tbsps of turbinado sugar and two rounded Tbsps of instant espresso powder into 1 1/4 cup whipping cream until dissolved. Chill the cream, your beaters and bowl while you prep a standard loaf pan by lining it with plastic wrap leaving enough overhang to cover your contents once the pan is filled. Then shave into thin shards 1 oz. of semi-sweet chocolate and crush two cups of store bought chocolate meringues…in this case, Trader Joe’s Cocoa Chip. Whip the flavored cream to soft peaks and gently fold in the crushed meringues, chocolate and two tablespoons of Bourbon until combined. Fill the prepared pan with the mixture, smooth, cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least eight hours or over night. To serve, umold onto a serving platter and cut into slices. Serve with a simple sauce of equal parts semi-sweet chocolate and cream with a dusting of crushed caramelized hazelnuts for a lovely crunch.There you have it, a perfect ending to your holiday feast. Serves 6-8. Simple enough.
The candy cane version from last Christmas can be found here. https://simplequietmodern.com/2018/12/23/simple-finish/
photos: gp
Hard to believe,
December 17, 2019
but I am actually enjoying a Poinsettia moment. Really. Like Truman Capote in Jay Presson Allen’s Tru, I too felt that “Poinsettias are the Bob Goulet of Botany”. Decades of over-saturation in the seasonal marketplace have rendered this bright red holiday staple cliche’, cheesy and hopelessly out of date. It was spotting this new variety, Envy, with it’s bright chartreuse coloring that made me stop and rethink it’s potential. While I generally indulge in white Tulips, Amaryllis and Helebore from the Winter Solstice through till Christmas and the New Year, I couldn’t help but think how well this fresh new addition would play with the others, both in the pot and as a cut specimen.
Photos: gp with the exception of the Amaryllis photo via https://www.shopterrain.com/categories/blooming-gifts and the last photo via: https://www.gardenista.com/posts/poinsettias-rethinking-traditional-christmas-flower/
If you like blue,
December 11, 2019
then 2020 is going to be your year. The Pantone Color Institute has announced that 19-4052, Classic Blue, is their choice for Color of the Year for 2020. The good news is that it might see greater acceptance than past selections of the last several years…Living Coral, Ultra Violet, Greenery and ( who could forget this flop? ) Marsala. The bad news? Unless a blue is the darkest navy, l’m generally not a fan.
Image: https://www.pantone.com/color-intelligence/color-of-the-year/color-of-the-year-2020
Making the Cut
December 6, 2019
Keep them hidden in your desk drawer and you’ll never be cut short again. These 10″ black Kevlar shears will have you cutting through everything from tape, gift wrap, card stock or fabric with ease. Made of Xylan coated hot forged carbon steel, a little gentle care after each use will have you at the ready no matter what your cutting needs are. I see some gift wrapping in your future, it might be a good time to pick up a pair for yourself and maybe another as a thoughtful gift.
photos: https://www.bestmadeco.com/products/ten-inch-kevlar-shears
