Congratulations
January 1, 2019
We’ve made it through another year. It was exhausting, wasn’t it? So much literal crazy coming from every which way at an unbelievable pace. So, as we start the New Year with a crisp clean page I’ve jotted down a few thoughts and observations to keep in mind as we go forward. Ideas that aren’t particularly new, but if put into practice might be able to affect a more positive productive change. And, if we start with ourselves and our surroundings it might just work its way up to the top. Here’s hoping.
No one likes a sore loser.
Cheaters never win.
Think before you speak.
It’s OK to say no.
Do the right thing.
Send someone some love.
Be good to yourself.
Keep it simple.
A glass of something sparkling and a plate of Chilaquiles would also be a comforting and festive start. Happy New Year!
photos: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2016/12/30/chilaquiles/
To Whet, Not to Sate
November 10, 2014
Appetizers. A savory little something to the whet the appetite…a prelude of what’s to come. On Thanksgiving there is always plenty, so the idea of keeping these little bites simple makes sense. With a cocktail or a glass of sparkling wine there could be no better paring than Frico…a baked Parmesan crisp. If these were any easier in fact, they’d make themselves. And, only one ingredient…parmesan cheese. Pre-heat your oven to 375 and drop tablespoons of shaved Parmesan cheese onto a parchment lined baking tray. Spread the mounds to a uniform thickness approx 3″ in diameter. Bake the trays one at a time for about 8-10 minutes, watching closely, until golden. Remove trays from the oven and cool slightly before moving the Frico to a rack to cool completely. These can be made a few days ahead and stored in an airtight container getting one task out-of-the-way earlier in that busy week. Why not check the fridge, turn on the oven and knock out a batch now? Think of it as a little taste test for the holidays ahead.
White Prosecco Sangria
June 21, 2013
Perfect for any hot summer day and readily adaptable to what the fruit stand has to offer, this simplequietmodern White Prosecco Sangria might just be your “go to” beverage this summer. Easily made by the glass or by the pitcher full the key ingredients here are all white light and sunny. White peaches, nectarines and golden raspberries…a splash of peach schnapps…all topped off with bubbly Prosecco….done and done.
Cupid Cooks
February 9, 2013
OK, here’s the plan. After a quick trip for a well priced Brut Rose’, start with Gougere, always the perfect accompaniment to a dry sparkling wine. Follow with a dinner of roast cornish game hen, orzo with peas and mint and finish with an Afogatto of coffee ice cream topped with espresso and some toasted almonds ( or, as shown here,with a shard of Brulee Almond Brittle) for dessert. The Gougere can be made the weekend prior and frozen until needed. Roast the game hens while you’re making the orzo over a glass or two of wine. Now, how simple was that? A mid-week celebration that took no more time than a regular weeknight dinner.
https://simplequietmodern.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/inas-gougere.jpg
V Day Dinner…
February 9, 2012
…as easy as 1 2 3. Never again will you be able to pull off with such little effort such an impressive result. For starts, something Brut and sparkling…everyone has their favorite and it’s probably already chilled. Next, a simple appetizer: assorted olives marinated with herbs, garlic and lemon peel. Now dinner. Who doesn’t L O V E a bowl of pasta? So simple and you probably have all of these ingredients in the pantry as well. This classic dish ( I always use Perciatelli) with butter, pepper and cheese is my new go-to ,http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2011/05/cacio-e-pepe. I top this with a palmfull of dry toasted breadcrumbs … an amazing textural contrast… really,don’t skip this addition. Finish things off with more sparkling wine, a little lemon sorbet splashed with Limoncello and candied lemon peel with dark chocolate. What else is there to say? Done and done. Happy Valentines Day.
