Cheers!
January 2, 2023
Yes, we made it through yet another tumultuous year. So rather than looking back and revisiting or rehashing things we cannot change, I’m looking forward…armed with my usual supply of fresh Sharpies, a clean sketchbook and the best attitude I can muster. I’d like this to be a year of great joy and happiness, great health and prosperity, and unlimited creativity for us all. And, a little Champagne never hurts. Happy New Year!
photos: gp
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
5…4…3…2
December 31, 2017
Happy New Year! What better way to ring in the New Year than with a classic Champagne Cocktail? Simple enough…a sugar cube soaked in bitters topped off wth Champagne or sparkling wine and garnished with a twist of citrus. And, what better way to serve it up than in a simplequietmodern cylinder flute? That’s it…pop, drop, pour, clink.
https://www.cb2.com/set-of-8-cylinder-champagne-flutes/s422283
To Whet, Not to Sate
November 10, 2014
Appetizers. A savory little something to the whet the appetite…a prelude of what’s to come. On Thanksgiving there is always plenty, so the idea of keeping these little bites simple makes sense. With a cocktail or a glass of sparkling wine there could be no better paring than Frico…a baked Parmesan crisp. If these were any easier in fact, they’d make themselves. And, only one ingredient…parmesan cheese. Pre-heat your oven to 375 and drop tablespoons of shaved Parmesan cheese onto a parchment lined baking tray. Spread the mounds to a uniform thickness approx 3″ in diameter. Bake the trays one at a time for about 8-10 minutes, watching closely, until golden. Remove trays from the oven and cool slightly before moving the Frico to a rack to cool completely. These can be made a few days ahead and stored in an airtight container getting one task out-of-the-way earlier in that busy week. Why not check the fridge, turn on the oven and knock out a batch now? Think of it as a little taste test for the holidays ahead.
Another year over…
January 1, 2014
and a new one just begun.* The perfect time to be grateful for the good of the last year and set forth on a new and creative path for the next twelve months. Not one prone to the making and breaking of resolutions, I have always found that committing things to paper…notes, bits of inspiration, plans for upcoming projects, events or personal goals…can not only organize your thoughts, but gives you a resource to refer back to and evaluate your progress. A hardbound sketchbook or journal is always my simplequietmodern must have, although a designated project pad can do the trick. Keep it handy to jot down a thought, tuck in a bit of inspiration or flip back to enjoy each progressive step. The clock for 2014 has started ticking. On your mark….get set….
top to bottom
The classic Braun travel alarm clock ,now in gray, will help keep track of those fleeting minutes at home or away. http://needsupply.com/mens/new/classic-bnc002-clock-in-grey.html
What could have been a disaster rose from the ashes of a failed project to become Koishi one… one big, thick and richly textured linen blanket.
This sculpture greets and inspires me daily. Created completely of recycled LA Times newsprint, it brings home the idea that the great beauty can be found in the most humble material.
The found nests in my yard pale in comparison to this Australian example captured by my friend Kirsten Johnstone. It’s easy to see how it’s texture, form and structure caught her architects eye. http://www.kirstenjohnstone.com/blog/
The best part of my everyday…the “Hambone” Jaxon. The full-out belly laughs he induces daily are the best gift one could hope to receive.
Staring me down from a basket on the corner of my desk, these two yarns in gray and olive seemed to want to work together. Looking good so far.
The beginnings of a great Winter salad of Farro, roasted red grapes and red onions. I’ll post the simplified Martha recipe soon to help you get back on track after the holidays.
Classic. Black Minnetonka moccasins. They help me keep my focus on the warmer months to come.
Raw wood. You can almost smell it can’t you? The simplicity of the design and use of a single material in this space says it all. http://remash.tumblr.com/
A glass of your favorite sparkler for toasting to your perfect health, success and happiness in this New Year 2014
*So This Is Christmas, John Lennon
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