Gettin’ Started
December 4, 2023
OK, Shake it off. Stop the daydreaming about Ghost Ranch and get with the program already. It’s full on December and time to get started with the decorations, the gift lists, the baking and the shopping. With the economy in the state that it’s in I plan to ease the frustration and take the simplest route possible, start early…like now, and recycle to the maximum effect. Here’s a few things I’ve found that get things off to a great start
I can’t help my mind from drifting to the hot, dry desert as the Mid-west Winter approaches. Photo: Ghost Rach
I have collected Vintage Christmas ornaments for years, and this was always one of my favorites… European, turn of the 20th century and light and as delicate as they come. I’m surprised it has managed to survive this long. Even if my decorations take a minimalistic bent, this little gem is likely to be found tucked in somewhere. Would not be Christmas without it. photo: gp
I’ve been getting in the habit of gifting consumables as of late. This Cube of solid maple sugar from Tonewood is a perfect gift.
Foraging the yard always keeps me up to my neck in pinecones. Deck out a wreath, fill up same simple baskets and bowls or tie on a gift. As always, the best part is they’re free. Photo:gp
A Christmas Tree from a sheet of plywood, a couple strings of lights and a handful of screws. A half an hour in and you are done and decorated. Doesn’t get more simple, quiet or modern than this.
Recycled newsprint, coir twine and a bit of foraged accent. This is simply my favorite Gift Wrap” go to” for any season, any reason.
If Elf has taught us anything, it’s that this is one of the basic food groups…Candy canes. And, it can’t hurt to start the day with a pocketful to spread a little Christmas cheer or diffuse an approaching Karen. photo: gp
You can’t go wrong with gifting Amaryllis for the holidays. White, red and apple blossom can usually be found everywhere. And, if you work a little harder you might score this beautiful Charteuse variety.
Some days I’m just not in the mood to bake. But, I have been known to knock out a few batches of Candied Orange and Ginger Bark for gifting without a complaint. It’s just that good. Photo: gp
If I do feel like baking I’m all about the Gougere. Using Ina’s recipe and freezing them means you are always prepared to entertain when the corks start popping! photo” gp
It’s Just The Sweetest
March 16, 2022
I’m talking maple syrup. And while it’s season and the trees are tapped and the sap is flowing I can’t help but think about all the ways I love to use it. I’m sure I can manage to slip it’s warm rounded sweetness into one thing or another several times a week. From sweet to savory, cocktails to dessert, maple syrup just adds that little earthy something that regular sugar seems to lack. I’ve noted below an assortment of applications that have become my simplequietmodern favorites over the last ten years. Now let’s tap into that dark amber goodness.
Gently reducing maple syrup by half and adding fresh blueberries to warm is the perfect topping to your favorite pancake or French toast recipe. It takes the chill off the berries and keeps that fresh quality that is lost when they’re cooked into the pancake.
A tablespoon or two whisked into a simple vinaigrette of olive oil and apple cider vinegar is as good on a Salad Lyonnaise as it is my take on a shaved Brussels Sprout salad with Bosc pear, Bleu Cheese and Maple Cayenne Glazed Walnuts.
Don’t save these for the holidays. Maple Syrup Sriracha Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. Really, you might want to make a double batch and just call it dinner.
If you haven’t tried this Maple Cube from Tonewood now’s a good time to get on it. A grate over fresh Spring berries can’t be beat.
Jack Daniels Maple Syrup Ketchup? Yes Please.
As a snack, with cocktails, on a salad or as a gift these Maple Cayenne Glazed Walnuts hit every note perfectly.
Substitute a tablespoon of dark amber maple syrup for the muddled sugar cubes in your next Old Fashioned and you won’t be making them your old way again.
Sometimes a little something nostalgic is just what’s needed. Maple Walnut Fudge reminds me of countless family road trips which honestly weren’t that much fun. Whipping up a batch without leaving home? Preferable.
photos: gp
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
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