Into The Darkness

October 10, 2022

As we move into Fall the shadows grow longer and the days get shorter. Preparing for the long descent into Winter I find myself  thinking about things I can’t do without. And, when there is a choice to be made, I most always go to black. Ticks all the right boxes. Done and done.

Top to bottom:

My ” go to”…any day or everyday… a black cashmere crew neck. photo: Naadam

Looking ahead to next Spring when a new paintjob on the house is in order. While it’s already dark, I think I’d go even darker. Photo via Remash Tumblr

I can’t get this table by Chiara Ferrari outta my head. Perfect.  If you know who took this pic let me know.

Celebrating his tenth year just like simplequietmodern, Baby Hambone Jaxon 3000. The best assistant ever. photo: gp

My first generation Aeron chair just got a tune up and is ready to take me forward in absolute comfort. Photo: Herman Miller

Just what you need to take you through a long cold Winter of soups and stews, this Crane cast iron Dutch oven. Photo: Heath Ceramics

Keeping everyone in barefoot comfort well after Labor Day has passed, Gobi II. The perfect take on my favorite Chukka. Photo: Vivobarefoot

My first flatware purchase was Ward Bennett’s GAP pattern in stainless, and I’ve been using it for longer than I’d care to say. If I do move onto something new, this will be it. Photo: Heath

With the holidays approaching I might suggest this upgrade to your apron wardrobe. You can’t go wrong with black linen. And, if you’re carrying in, dust it with a pinch of flour and hide the takeout containers.

Anyone who knows me can tell you that this Saarinen table is my favorite table ever. Any size , and until now, always in white. This recent introduction in black has a firm grip on me though. Equally stunning, the two In my mind are running neck and neck.  Photo: Knoll

Brrrrr, It’s Cold

January 23, 2022

Shoveling’s done, dinner’s in the oven, fire’s going and you’re about to get your binge on. All that’s missing is a quick comforting snack on this bitter cold Sunday afternoon. Me, I’m thinking about making two. Not only because they compliment each other perfectly, but because I had all of the items on hand and I couldn’t decide between them …Blistered Shishito Peppers and Pizza Fritte.

 

C3 Cast Iron Frying Pan 23cm

 

 

 

Heat up a couple glugs of oil in your favorite cast iron skillet until shimmering and toss in your Shishito peppers. Fair warning, they will sputter and pop. A quick turn and blister the other side, drain on a paper towel and hit with a sprinkle of coarse salt. Then while the pan is still hot add more oil to about 1/2″.  Tear off nice size pieces from a ball of pre-made pizza dough, pull and flatten slightly and fry in hot oil. Turn when the bottoms are golden and fry on the reverse side. Drain, sprinkle with coarse salt and serve with a drizzle of hot honey.

photos: gp

 

 

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/