Jackpot
November 25, 2018
I recently ran across an unused gift card in my desk drawer…then another. Then, an online credit memo. Yoo hoo! What I had tucked away for safe keeping I had completely forgotten about. I think I’ll use this “found cash” to jump start my holiday shopping…maybe pick up a little perk for myself in the process. Just in time for Cyber Monday. Check those drawers, people.
A few ideas to kick off the season, top to bottom:
A new glaze, Zinc, on Heath Ceramics Coupe Dessert Bowl courtesy of that unearthed online credit memo. Photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/collections/bowls/products/dessert-bowl-coupe
This Floating Gemstones Necklace Kit from Purl Soho provides enough material to create several great gifts in the month ahead. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/floating-gemstones-necklace-kit.html
Also from Purl Soho, Posy, a hand-dyed Superwash Cashmere, Merino and Nylon blend yarn. Gift the skeins to your favorite knitter or whip up a warm cap or scarf in this Winter-busting shade…Sour Gooseberry. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/posy-gift-list-gallery.html
If you’re itching to start decking the halls, Trader Joe’s has the best value in town with their mixed evergreen wreaths. Photo: gp
Start them now and you’ll have gorgeous amaryllis in bloom for Christmas. This moss covered bulb is available from Terrain. Photo: https://www.shopterrain.com
Cooling Greens
August 20, 2017
This August heat has inspired me to reach for anything green from the season’s bounty, switching up my weekly shopping trip which seems zeroed in on auto-pilot. Let’s see what this exercise has produced.
From the top:
It started with this green spider orchid from Trader Joe’s inspiring the rest of my selections.
Locally grown Honeydew melons are just the break I needed from Watermelon.
These Green Zebra heirloom tomatoes will switch up that Summertime BLT or Caprese.
Local fresh herbs…it doesn’t get better. Basil for a Pesto Pizza on the grill or maybe a Pesto Potato Salad…Parsley and Mint for a Chimichurri to compliment anything grilled.
Zucchini have gotten a bad rap by showing up on your desk or doorstep by the bagful. Take full advantage by grilling them up with some onions, peppers and tomatoes or knocking out a batch of Zucchini Muffins.
Photo: gp
Lentil Tacos
May 2, 2017
Just in time for Cinco de Mayo…Lentil Tacos. Four ingredients , a stack of corn tortillas and fifteen minutes….Ole’. Dinner is served.
G’s Lentil Tacos
1 package Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils ( 17.6 oz)
1/2 small red onion diced
1/2 packet Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning Mix
1 19 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chilis or lime and cilantro
1 tablespoon general use olive oil
Heat oil in skillet and sauté onions for two minutes. Add taco seasoning and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Add the precooked lentils, tomatoes and 1/2 cup of water, stirring to combine.Bring mixture to a simmer and cook an additional 5 minutes.
Serve on grilled corn tortillas street style with some additional chopped onion and cilantro or fully loaded American style with your favorite taco toppings.
photos: gp
Easter Bake
April 2, 2017
Even with a short list of ingredients baking bread can be a tricky undertaking. This recipe for Milanese Raisin Bread might be the exception. The addition of the raisin soaking liquid to the 50/50 ratio of flour to fruit gives this rich rustic loaf it’s distinct sweet flavor and deep brown crust. My test loaf actually cut and tasted better after a couple of days, so you’ll be fine baking it off ahead of time if you decide to add it to an Easter menu. The thought of pairing this with a sliver a baked ham and a touch of grainy mustard has me thinking…you might want to make two.
Photos:gp
Final photo, https://food52.com/recipes/66796-pantramvai-milanese-raisin-bread
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.
Dog Days
July 10, 2014
The dog days are upon us and there is nothing like this kind of simplequietmodern reward after a productive day working in the yard…or, maybe just rinsing off a full day of Summer fun. Can it be that a bit of sun, a gentle breeze, some water and a bar of soap can be transformative? I think it can.
shower photo via:http://remash.tumblr.com/
Add in a bar of Neutrogena Original Formula Transparent and Trader Joe’s Ginger Almond Oatmeal Exfoliant and you’re covered head-to-toe.
Like a shot in the arm.
February 22, 2014
It’s still winter but you’ve had your fill of your repertoire of comforting pasta dishes, soups and stews. The warming spices of Indian cuisine might seem like just the ticket to shake things up but learning a new kitchen culture might be more than you want to take on. Time to put a simplequietmodern plan into action…make something from scratch and get a little help from a jar. While you are simmering a classic combination of peas, potatoes, cauliflower and onion in a jarred Masala sauce you have time to whip a batch of complimentary Coriander Cilantro Flatbreads from scratch. Add add a handful of cashews and raisins to the vegetables and a side of Raita and some Basmati rice and you have got a perfect meatless meal in less than 45 mins. This should hold your interest till Spring.
The flatbread recipe can be found here: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/ground-coriander-and-cilantro-flatbreads-242112
Deck The Halls
December 7, 2013
It’s now or never. With less than three weeks until Christmas now’s the time to get the place festivized. A simplequietmodern formula of selecting fewer elements and concentrating their application will provide the most effective outcome with the least amount of stress. First pick a foliage…say fir, magnolia or boxwood and add a secondary material…like winterberry, cones or moss and you are on your way. If you are going to be entertaining, the simple addition of some fresh blooms or flowering bulbs to your “base” will punch things up. Remember…keep it simple, keep it quiet, keep it modern.
From the top:
A simple Fir wreath from Trader Joes is a fragrant welcome for under 10 bucks.
The best deal around could be this three to four foot Frazier fir…with a stand AND a galvanized container. I think I’d use the stand as an anchor and place the tree in a large glass cylinder with some natural river rocks and repurpose the bucket for chilling something sparkling. http://www.shopterrain.com/holiday-preview/tabletop-fraser-fir/productOptionIDs/ac1a6025-a441-4932-8c10-4160e950e55b
Bright soft mounds of preserved reindeer moss could fill low bowls or baskets for an interesting bit color. http://www.shopterrain.com/new-arrivals-garden-plants/preserved-reindeer-moss-bright/productOptionIDs/df8906bb-f3d4-4414-b906-24d41d95e04c
Cones, cones and more cones. If you had the foresight to be gathering these along the way, their rich brown texture would be a freebee.
Even the most traditional door could use a modern application like this simple boxwood wreath hung with a length of jute cord as spotted on Habitually Chic. http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/
White tulips at Christmas have become my signature , but a couple of stems of long-lasting white Cymbidium orchids will take you from Christmas Eve to New Years Eve.
Winterberry by the armful…now, that’s a statement.
A modern spin on a simple white Amaryllis could be this new entry in bright Chartreuse. I think I’d like these best combined with bowls of brown cones and the brown sueded finish of cut magnolia. http://www.shopterrain.com/holiday-preview/potted-amaryllis-kit-lemon/productOptionIDs/bd0459cc-8958-45c4-b120-330bd8a8856a
These arrangements spotted in Chanel illustrate perfectly a simplequietmodern combination of simplicity and textural contrast. These driftwood-like boxes filled with the mossy Dianthus, Cedar and a bit of glossy Camellia foliage will last through a month of holiday festivities. Photo by Habitually Chic
What’s for lunch?
June 28, 2012
Like a lot of people I’ve been eating less and less red meat and chicken these days. So, then, what’s for lunch? Today I’ve whipped up a substantial salad that is fresh and satisfying and best of all…simple. Starting with a base of Trader Joe’s Brown rice medley ( which includes black barley and daikon radish seeds ) I’ve added red bell pepper, green onion, sugar snap peas and toasted walnuts and dressed it with my “go to” vinaigrette of olive oil and lemon juice with a touch of garlic. While your grains are cooling to room temp you can prep your vegetables and mix up your dressing. The best part of this salad it the texture…C R U N C H Y…from the daikon seeds to the sugar snaps to the celery to the walnuts. OK…now I’m hungry. Is it time to break yet? 
G’s Bolognese
March 26, 2012
On the cheap. Really. The economy is struggling with a comeback but there is no reason to go hungry. For yourself or guests this recipe knocks it outta the park for less than $5…no kidding. It doesn’t get much simpler than this.
simplequietmodern 