Five Easy Pieces: November 19, 2022

Every Friday I share a quick hit list of 5 things I’m into. They may be wildly outdated or impossibly current. They may be overexposed and well known, or a hidden gem. If there is a product included, it is never sponsored or paid - this is just stuff I like.

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Today’s post is inspired by a recent visit with some old friends at their home in Connecticut. Robert Highsmith and Stefanie Brechbuehler are founders of the firm Workstead - a building and interiors firm among the illustrious Architectural Digest 100, as well as successful lighting designers. As you might imagine, they are incredibly thoughtful about the things they bring into their home.

Over the weekend I found myself excited by a number of simple, little gestures or tools they are using at their own home. I wanted to share my round-up of favorites below:

1. The best scissors

These kitchen shears are impossibly sharp, well made, and indestructible. The moment I had them in my hands I knew they were special, and bought them on my phone that very moment. They are made in Spain by a company that has been manufacturing knives since 1917.

You can use them in the kitchen, of course, to break down chicken, slice chives or herbs directly over a salad (one of my favorite uses), or simply breaking down tough packaging. They are a small and simple thing that you can use, love, and pass along one day.

2. Victorinox Peeler

Stefanie is Swiss, and the Swiss certainly know a thing or two about knives. Swiss knife maker Victorinox has been making knives since the late 1800’s. Perhaps their greatest contribution to the world of the kitchen is this peeler.

Simply put, there is none better. It is an essential for your home kitchen - a product so good that Joe Ades made his living selling them streetside in NYC. (Trust me, you will want to read this great profile and watch the video below.)

3. Aarke Carbonated Water

I love bubbly water but I loathe the SodaStream, mostly because it is a huge eyesore. This carbonated water maker is by no means a necessity, but leave it to Stefanie to have found one that is functional, well-made, and beautiful.

4. Bircher Muesli

Every time we stay with them, Stefanie makes an incredible Swiss breakfast dish that I love - Bircher Muesli. For me it’s one of the perfect breakfasts because it is filling, delicious, and healthy. And happily, it is super easy and keeps well, so you can make it and eat it a couple of mornings in a row. She shared her technique with me, which I’ve relayed below:

For the most traditional Bircher Muesli you’ll want to find the no sugar version of Familia Swiss Muesli.

For ease and accessibility, you can simply use regular quick cooking oats. (Stefanie prefers Bob’s Red Mill.)

Add your oats to a large bowl and submerge in your milk of choice. You can do this overnight, but Stefanie says it turns out just as well doing it to order and letting the oats soak for a few minutes.

To sweeten it, add apple sauce. (Or, if you’ve got the time, you can grate apple fresh into the mix, skin and all.)

Add your choice of dried fruit - golden raisins, chopped apricots, or cranberries; add your choice of nuts - sliced almonds are ideal. Walnuts are great, too. (You can skip this step if you’re starting with the Familia Brand Mix, which includes nuts and dried fruits.)

Next, add fruit - berries, raspberries, kiwi - whatever you have. Bananas, however, are essential - sliced into thin coins.

Finish with a healthy dose of a thicker style (think Greek) yogurt, folding it in to achieve the desired texture.

5. Cozy, easy sheepskin rugs

The Swiss certainly understand the appeal of a warm sheepskin rug, and Stefanie is no different. Throughout the house they keep a number of sheepskin rugs - some on the bed, some draped over dining chairs, and some on the floor. It makes for a cozy, luxurious touch to any room.

Ever curious, I turned them over to see where they were from. Overland sells a variety, all reasonably priced and in a variety of colors - although keeping them natural is the move. The rugs are surprisingly robust, resistant to dirt and discoloration if you’re using them on the ground.