Simple Makeover
March 2, 2020
It might not be where you cook, but rather what you cook in that needs addressing. Before you start ripping out cabinets and knocking down walls you might take a look at that mixed and unmatched collection of pots and pans of yours. Sure, everyone means well when they pass a piece off to you and it’s sometimes fun to pick up a saucepan at a garage sale because ” it was only two dollars”, but really, isn’t it time for some grown-up cookware? I think it is. And, this matte black vitreous enamel collection from Crane Cookware will satisfy your simplequietmodern sensibilities. Designed in London and cast in France this group is free of cadmium, PFOA, PTFE and lead, is 100% Vitreous enameled, is made of 30% recycled materials and is 100% recyclable. The Saute’, frying pans and casserole have ergonomically designed handles and will move seamlessly from any cooktop to oven to table. All things considered, you might still want to redo the kitchen but it might take on a new simplicity if you start here as your inspiration.
photos: https://www.cranecookware.com/
A New Take
February 24, 2020
My favorite Winter salad usually shows up at Thanksgiving and Christmas and perhaps again at the New Year. It’s a simple combination of Frisee’, Bosc Pear, Red Onion, Blue Cheese and toasted Walnuts lightly dressed in a vinaigrette of Olive Oil, Lemon Juice and a touch of Garlic. While I love it’s combination of seasonal ingredients it seems like it’s always been allocated to the category of ” holiday “. While craving it recently, and having no luck finding Frisee’ at the market, I decided to switch it up a bit and substituted Shaved Brussels Sprouts for the greens and have it as an entree salad one night for dinner. The surprise I didn’t see coming is that it’s almost better than the original. Then a few days later I switched it up again using Honeycrisp Apple for the Pear, Maple Cayenne Glazed Walnuts and an even simpler dressing of Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar with a splash of a Maple Syrup. Again…success. Good thing there is plenty of Winter left to add this salad to the weekly rotation.
No measuring here, add as much or as little of each as you’d like. Cutting the pears or apples into small batons compliment the thinly shaved Brussels Sprouts and red onion. Keeping the blue cheese chunky and the Walnut halves quartered results in sort of chunky chopped salad that hits all the right notes…sweet, savory, creamy and crunchy.
The simplest recipe ever for Maple Cayenne Glazed Walnuts can be found here. https://simplequietmodern.com/2013/11/30/mmmm-maplely/
photos: gp
I can’t wait…
February 17, 2020
for Spring to arrive or the UPS driver to deliver a pair of these to my door. From Vivobarefoot, Gobi II, a leather zero drop desert boot that satisfies my minimalist style. While I’ve always had a pair of Chukkas at the ready, these in black will take me through all day every day, work and play in barefoot comfort. A perfect segue from ice and gray skies to blue skies and green grass.
photos: https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens/everyday/gobi-ii-mens?colour=BlacK
We’ll See
February 9, 2020
We go through this often…the prediction of an early Spring followed immediately by snow, cold and yes, more snow. It’s Winter. In reality, the official start of Spring is still weeks away…plenty of time to prepare for it’s arrival, get inspired or simply switch things up to ward off cabin fever.
top to bottom:
Last year’s garden addition under this years last “dusting”
Forcing an armful of flowering branches definitely speaks to the promise of Spring.
Get super proactive and start now to plan a trip to the New Mexican desert next Winter and paying a visit to the Georgia O’Keefe residence and museum in Abiquiu. photo: https://www.okeeffemuseum.org/
Get on it and shake things up with this Alexander McQueen inspired velvet from Knoll Textiles. If not a chair then perhaps just a pillow will do the trick. Photo: https://www.knoll.com/knolltextileproductdetail/Arezzo
You could always spend more quality time with your favorite sidekick. Yes, even knee deep snow can be fun with this guy.
Now is a great time to revisit, reconsider and actually finish a stalled project. While these balls of newsprint yarn were created during snow days of Winters past, they still sit waiting to be transformed. Now’s as good a time as any.
Pull out that Sharpie and a clean pad. Start sketching and editing and committing some new ideas for your Spring garden projects to paper for when the weather finally breaks.
A little sustenance. The simplest recipe ever…Labneh. This Mediterranean dip and spread is basically Greek yogurt with a good pinch of salt and squeeze of lemon stirred in, placed into a cheesecloth lined strainer and left to drain out the whey over 24 hours. Serve up with a drizzle of good olive oil and a healthy dusting of Za’atar to spread on a variety of breads and vegetables.
Photos except where noted: gp
The devil, as they say,
January 27, 2020
is in the details. Take this plywood clad kitchen. No moldings or unnecessary trim, illumination provided by minimalist ceiling mounted sockets with silvered bulbs, seamlessly integrated stainless steel top and back splash and a near invisible flush mounted exhaust fan. simplequietmodern perfection. The simplicity of the design elevates the humble plywood to an entirely new level. I can see a similar stunning end result if the ply were swapped out for OSB, providing an equally elegant color and texture. All that’s needed is a place to perch while you wait for the pot to come to a boil or the oven timer to go off. Arne Jacobson’s 1955 High Dot Counter Stool, in black steel and leather, is light enough to compliment without distraction.
Kitchen photos: Marie Francois Plissart via: Remash.tumblr.com
https://hivemodern.com/pages/product13015/high-dot-stool-2-pack-arne-jacobsen-fritz-hansen
osb photo: gp
Snowed in…
January 19, 2020
or, just off for the long legal holiday weekend? Either way it’s a great time to pull together the latest entry in my Meatless Monday arsenal…G’s Jacked-Up White Chili. An easy enough transformation really, I simply replaced the cooked chicken thighs in a favorite white chicken chili recipe with canned green Jackfruit in brine from Trader Joe’s. A handful of pantry items, minimal prep and a quick cook and we’re starting the year off right with a hearty and healthy snow day lunch or simple supper.
photos: gp
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
Down To The Wire
December 24, 2019
Is it just me or has this holiday season seemed like a “drive by”? I know, with all good intentions of getting your shopping completed early, you find yourself feeling totally behind the eight ball with the clock ticking down fast. Enter the gift card. A quick trip the the grocery store will have you leaving with a pocketful or simpler yet, an hour or so online will have you checking off that list with lightning speed. In no time…in a word…DONE. From cookies to cashmere, wine to winter coats there isn’t anything that isn’t available with a gift card and what recipient wouldn’t love one? Selecting exactly what they’d like beats having to make a return or exchange by a long shot. Santa has already started his trip on the other side of the world, so if you still have gifts to buy you better get on it.
photo: gp
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