A Rare Occasion
July 6, 2016
It’s a rare occasion when I’m presented with something that I haven’t already seen, experienced and loved or already dismissed. It’s even more rare that I am surprised at all. Well, surprised I was when I found a small unexpected parcel at my door and simply stunned upon opening it. So simple, so quiet, so modern. At first glance it looked like a block of Russian Amber…or something from the MOMA gift shop. Closer inspection exposed its true identity, a new incarnation of one of my favorite things, maple syrup. The equivalent of a 7 oz. bottle packed into a grateable solid cube of dark, robust maple sugar…loaded with nutrients, antioxidants and polyphenols. Microplane at the ready, flaked on mixed Summer berries will be a great way to start.
photos: gp
http://www.tonewoodmaple.com/products/maple-cube-pure-maple-sugar-cube-from-vermont-vt
Liquid Harvest
March 25, 2014
A uniquely North American experience…the tapping of maple trees…is now in full swing. If we remembered that a fresh harvest of maple syrup was the reward after a hard cold Winter, well, I for one would be a little less cranky as Winter seemed to drag on and on. To celebrate I plan on incorporating that amber sweetness into everything possible starting with this Maple Walnut Fudge. In true simplequietmodern fashion,it takes just a few ingredients that you probably have on hand and no power equipment is needed.
I added a cup of rough chopped toasted walnuts to this recipe…that was simple enough.http://www.canadianliving.com/food/baking_and_desserts/maple_fudge.php
Valentine’s Day befores…
February 5, 2014
and afters. Instead of dinner why not keep it to a satisfying starter, a complementary salad and of course, dessert. This “before and after” menu will cover all of your bases providing savory, sweet, salty, spicy, warm, cool, crunchy and smooth with a minimum of effort. Begin with a nice Brut Rose…then Maple Sriracha Bacon wrapped shrimp… a salad of frisee, toasted walnuts, blue cheese and pomegranate lightly dressed with a maple vinaigrette and finish up with a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake for two. The first two are near no-brainers and while you are at Whole Foods picking up the wine, bacon, shrimp and salad ingredients, make a stop at their bakery for the cake…layers of dark chocolate cake and chocolate mousse covered in ganache. That was simple enough wasn’t it?
The appetizer recipe can be found here:http://www.inspiredtaste.net/15948/spicy-maple-bacon-wrapped-shrimp-recipe/ and my Maple Vinaigrette here:https://simplequietmodern.wordpress.com/2012/11/11/i-dont-love-brunch/
I do know Jack…
June 8, 2013
can add a little “something” to a glass of Coke , Ginger Beer or maybe the filling of a Pecan Pie. But now that grilling season’s here it’s a key ingredient in a classic condiment redux. A creation of Burger Up in Nashville, Tennessee, their Jack Daniels Maple Ketchup is a fortified version of the cookout staple. Burgers, dogs and fries alike can benefit from this modern robust twist on my favorite Heinz 57. So who’s feeling like sliders?
If you’d like to receive it…
December 5, 2012
chances are you know someone who would like to receive it as well. Small personal indulgences are a great start when putting together your gift list. Most of us have what we want or need but sometimes hesitate when it comes to purchasing for ourselves something small that is pure pleasure. These are exactly the items we need to help get us through tough economic times…or really just take the edge off, no matter how simple. When gifted, items like those I have selected here are really most welcome. And, to make a simplequietmodern exercise of it, see if you can select an item that crosses age and gender lines and purchase in multiples. That was easy…check , check , check and check… four down…
Small batch Ginger Syrup for a kick ass Moscow Mule.http://www.morriskitchen.com/product-lists/ginger-syrup
Something “green” for the skin touched with the essence of Winter.http://www.shopterrain.com/gifts-under-50/winter-greens-bath-collection/productOptionIDs/bd0459cc-8958-45c4-b120-330bd8a8856a
A holiday bud vase providing that great shot of red everyday of the year.http://www.heathceramics.com/cook-dine/bud-vase.html
The perfect ice cream bowl in a quiet matte glaze. http://www.heathceramics.com/cook-dine/cafe-bowl.html#p68
From where the craze started, Sprinkles, gourmet cupcake mixes.http://www.sprinkles.com/cupcake-gifts/cupcake-mix/
Modern wooden spreaders to spread it around.http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/search/search.jsp?searchPhrase=wooden+spreaders
Bourbon barrel maple syrup to glaze up some bacon.http://mikuni.myshopify.com/collections/all/products/tonic-01-tuthilltown-bourbon-barrel-matured-maple-syrup
Purl Soho Learn to Knit kit. If they’re knitting, they’re not texting you.http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2012/11/13/new-purl-sohos-learn-to-knit-kit.html
simplequietmodern 