Making the Cut

November 29, 2017

Well, it’s time to cull through the stack of Christmas cookie recipes, hold some auditions and see who makes the cut. Sounds brutal, but editing to one selection keeps things simple while still keeping the holiday festive. Espresso Hazelnut Cookies, classic Shortbread and Walnut Horns are being edged out by a twist on last year’s selection…the Chewy Molasses Cookie. By pressing a thumbprint into the center of the cookies while they’re still warm from the oven and filling them with 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry preserves…well, they were simply the hands down winner.

Chewy Molasses Thumbprint Cookies. Chewy, spicy with a little extra Christmas magic.

Photos: gp

 

 

It’s On

November 27, 2016

The holiday season is officially on. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday help with a kick-start once Thanksgiving has passed but there is a solid month of gifting, decorating and entertaining ahead. If you’ve picked up a cold along the way like I have you might just want to stay in, lay back, gather up some inspiration and make a few lists to put into play in a few days. I’m taking the easy way out today and rifling through the simplequietmodern archives. Easy enough.

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As always I like to keep things pared down and neutral, like the common area of this home by Belgian architect Nicholas Shuybroek. Light a fire and you’re ready to get started. And, why not start at the front door. This heavy dried vine coil is perfect.

Top photo via http://www.ns-architects.com/works/architecture/46/   Heavy twisted vine wreath photo from: http://www.shopterrain.com/holiday-wreaths/dried-vine-coil