Safe Bet
September 18, 2024
Now is the time for farmers markets and local farm stands to showcase the local harvest. It’s a safe bet that the produce was not only grown locally and organically but none of it has been sprayed with Apeel. While the jury might still be out, I for one am not interested. I do not wish to find out at a later date that while keeping fresh fruits and vegetables looking good on the shelves longer Apeel might actually contribute to some serious health issues. No thanks.
I love the apple cider at my local cider mill. I sometimes love it better with a shot of bourbon.
Cold packed new dill pickles are a fun project I look forward to every year.
The addition of sour cream and a sparkling crumb top is reason enough to try this Sour Cream Apple Pie after a trip to the orchard.
My bright and sunny Chow Chow Relish starts with locally grown cauliflower, onions, yellow peppers and cabbage. Good for you turmeric gives it it’s bright inviting color.
Nectarines in a simple late Summer Crostata. I used this recipe from Ina Garten which features apples.
Once I made this Brown Sugar Hubbard Squash Pie I abandoned my standard Pumpkin Pie recipe. I think it might be the roasting the squash in the oven to create the puree or the brown sugar that made the difference. My plan is to pick up these sculptural squash now and use them as Autumn decoration until November, make the puree and freeze it until I need it at Thanksgiving.
photos: gp
It’s That Time
October 19, 2023
It’s time again for some of my Fall favorites, and no, there is no Pumpkin spiced anything on the list. I have managed over time to embrace Fall rather than looking at it as the slow descent into a long cold Winter. Yes, I have gathered a list of what I look forward to as we approach setting the clocks back and it even surprises me.
You can’t beat the surprise of finding Bittersweet vine while you’re engaged in your Fall yard clean-up.
In Michigan, there is no shortage of apple orchards or an endless variety of locally grown apples.
My favorite Fall activity, stoking up the burn pile. Adds a little something special to the task of cleaning up the yard.
White pumpkins I like. I like any of the specialty varieties that are now available everywhere as well…green, pink, multi colored. I think it’s just the shade of orange that had turned me off to pumpkins all this time. That particular color or the fact I’m not a big fan of Halloween.
If you’re lucky enough to have the last straggler’s of heirloom garden roses, like these Polo. I particularly like them tucked into a Heath Ceramic Tall Modern Cup.
Sour Cream Apple Pie, a different take on the American Classic. The single crust makes it even easier to knock out on a Sunday sfternoon.
Along with apple orchards, my area has no shortage of cider mills all conveniently located. Crisp and refreshing, nothing beats a glass of cider on an October afternoon. I wouldn’t say no to a splash of Bourbon either.
Quince. Looks like an apple doesn’t it? But, you need to cook it down to enjoy. While that pie’s in the oven you might as well stir up a batch of Quince Paste on the stove. Add it to your next cheese board when you’re watching a game or binge viewing.
There is just something about this color. I look forward to this Sumac color change more than anything else I think. When I see it’s first color change I know I know it’s Fall.
photos: gp
As American as….
July 4, 2022
the flag, burgers and apple pie. However you choose to celebrate the 4th, do it safely.
top to bottom:
If you’ve got a flag, fly it. If you don’t have one, get one.
Nothing more American than a burger on the grill. You might want to ratchet it up with a little Jack Daniels Maple Syrup Ketchup.
And, apple pie? Yes please.
Sparklers and a firecracker or two couldn’t hurt either.
Photos: gp
O’re the land of the free,
July 4, 2020
and the home of the brave. It’s a new kind of 4th. Be safe, mask up….keep your distance.
photos: gp
Who’s Ready For Pie?
November 20, 2019
From the simplequietmodern archives, two recipes that’ll finish off your Thanksgiving feast beautifully. First, Brown Sugar Hubbard Squash Pie where the roasting of the squash brings a depth of flavor you just can’t get from canned pumpkin. Then a twist on another Thanksgiving favorite with Sour Cream Apple Pie. Better make them both…you know everyone’s going to want pie.
The recipes and previous posts can be found here:
https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=Hubbard+Squash+pie
photos: gp
From ev’ry mountainside…
July 4, 2019
let freedom ring.*
* America ( My Country ‘Tis of Thee” Samuel Francis Smith
photos: gp
“You like pie?”
September 27, 2013
“I like pie”. * Who’s going to argue with the President on this point? Pie is good…simple as that. And, what better way to usher in Fall than with an apple pie… in this case, Sour Cream Apple Pie.
I adapted the recipe found here:http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2008/10/sour-cream-appl.html using a mix of Granny Smith and Gala Apples. This pie was even better on the second day at room temperature.
* Barrack Obama
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