Happy New Year, Time to get Hygge!

The dickens you say ...

PSYNOVEC/SHUTTERSTOCK

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Hygge
(Noun: who - guh)

The Danish concept of coziness created when enjoying good food, drink, and fireside times with dear friends and family

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If you haven't heard of it yet, don't fret.  You'll soon be seeing hygge everywhere.  The Danish people are consistently reported to be the happiest people on the planet, and hygge is an ingrained part of their national culture. 
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According to Meik Wiking, (pronounced Mike Viking)  author of the little book that is taking the UK by storm, 

"Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world."  
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​Available in the US next week The Little Book of Hygge

So how exactly do we get hyggelig?

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Graphics by Sherbetlane.com

Want to learn more?
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​Try one of these books, preferably with a cup of something warm, snuggled down by a fire.

Hygge

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Hygge 


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How to Hygge

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Hygge Feast​

Sharing your home and table are important aspects of this lifestyle. Simple,  slow cooked meals around a convivial table with friends is something we can all embrace.  

Need some inspiration? I devoured this gem of a cookbook last weekend while watching the snow fall and can't wait to try out some of the recipes. 

I'm especially intrigued by Hot Love, mashed yukon gold potatoes topped with bacon, mushrooms, apples and greens.
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Scandinavian Comfort Food 

Abelskiver

My Aunt Jean is Danish and her home is a testament to the concept of hygge.  Always warm and welcoming, with an attention to details and personal connection.  

This is her grandmother's recipe for abelskiver, a wonderful combination of pancake and round doughnut hole, that is worth buying the pan needed to make them. You won't be disappointed. 

Ingredients
2 eggs - separated
2 C flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
4 Tbsp. butter, melted
2 C buttermilk
melted butter (for greasing pan)



Instructions

1.  Beat the egg whites until they can hold a stiff peak. 
2. Mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, sugar, egg yolks, 4 Tbsp. melted butter and buttermilk. 
3. Beat until smooth.
4.  Gently fold in the egg whites 
5. Use the remaining butter to grease the pan
6.  Pour in about 2 tablespoons of the batter into each cup. As soon as they get bubbly around the edge, flip them over Continue cooking, turning the ball until is is golden brown all the way around and is cooked through.

Serve with jam or syrup and sprinkle with powdered sugar.