Quinoa, Kale and Pear Salad
August 6, 2014
How can you not be inspired when you spot a pear like this at the market? And, with that you have the start of a 5 ingredient / 5 minute salad, barely needs a recipe. Crunchy, protein packed, phytonutrient rich, slightly sweet and a little bit salty. The simplequietmodern way to pack a lunch. OK…who’s hungry?
I’ve tried to re-create here a similar salad that I love from Simply Good Kitchen. This is so good and so simple that I might just be dragging this into the Fall by adjusting it a bit. Adding a touch of walnut oil to the vinaigrette and swapping out the pistachios for toasted walnuts could be the ticket. A bit of blue cheese couldn’t hurt either.
He’s makin’ a list…checkin it twice
December 4, 2013
Now’s a good time to start on your list as well. And, to help you along I’ve pulled together a few simplequietmodern ideas to get you going…mostly simple… that are thoughtful, inspired and won’t break the bank. If they aren’t a fit for someone on your list there is no harm in treating yourself to a little gift is there?

From top to bottom:
Who wouldn’t love this festive serving bowl from Heath in their holiday ruby and red suede glaze …extra special when filled with some spicy Maple Cayenne Glazed Walnuts. http://www.heathceramics.com/catalog/product/view/id/1538/s/bowl-ruby-red-suede-red/category/3/
You have plenty of time left to knit someone special this basic cap in Purl Soho’s new Merino Worsted Twist yarn. I have one near identical in cotton that I wear constantly so I know this’ll be a hit. Yarn, pattern and supplies needed are available through Purl.http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2013/10/10/purl-soho-basic-hats-for-everyone.html
This iPad Mini sleeve in charcoal suede from Need Supply Co. will add some simplequietmodern protection to our favorite new mobile device. http://needsupply.com/ipad-mini-sleeve.html
It doesn’t get any better than homemade marshmallows covered in chocolate unless you’ve received a gift of these…Jenna’s Peppermint Sticks from Simply Good Kitchen in Birmingham, Michigan. Thick dark chocolate over homemade marshmallow bars with just the perfect dusting of finely crushed peppermint sticks. You better get some for yourself while you’re at it. http://www.simplygoodkitchen.com/default.htm
These faceted balancing blocks of white-painted wood from Need Supply Company would definitely keep one happily occupied while on stuck on “hold”. http://needsupply.com/mens/new/balancing-blocks.html
Oaktown Spice Shop’s Everything Bagel Spice Blend takes one of our favorite flavor combinations and makes it easily applicable to almost anything. http://food52.com/provisions/products/37-oaktown-spice-shop-the-better-than-everything-bagel
Merry Christmas from pig heaven. Who wouldn’t love the a pound or two of thick cut bacon from Whole Foods Market. It could easily turn a vegetarian into a flexetarian. I’m just sayin’.
If it’s a gift for a gardener that has you stumped perhaps this galvanized weeder will fit the bill. I’m thinking a stroll through the garden won’t be complete without one. http://www.shopterrain.com/new-arrivals-garden-plants/galvanized-utility-weeder/productOptionIDs/bd0459cc-8958-45c4-b120-330bd8a8856a















