Let’s face it, one of the best things about the holidays is the delicious food. Savory appetizers, roasted meats, cheesy and creamy side dishes, and sinfully tempting sweet treats. If you live in an area with cold autumn and winter months, you may crave those certain comfort foods that soothe your soul when the weather is cold. Soups and stews, fresh-baked breads and desserts, and warm spicy beverages are some of the foods you enjoy to stay warm and cozy. This is what hygge is all about!
Have A Hygge Holiday
Hygge, pronounced “Hue-gah”, is a Danish word that translates to the Old Norwegian term for “well-being”. It’s all about warmth, comfort, and the joy of connecting and laughing with loved ones. Hygge is what gets them through the long harsh winters. It’s no wonder that Americans and other countries have adopted the hygge culture, especially around the holidays. The Danish people rank among some of the happiest people in the world!
With the stressful times of living in a worldwide pandemic, many families are doing low-key holidays this year. The thought of getting dressed up in fancy clothes and high heel shoes and partying the night away is not for everyone. It’s much more comforting to host a casual gathering at home, with a fire going in the fireplace, soft lighting of candles, and everyone’s favorite comfort foods. Wear your favorite warm sweater and comfortable clothes for lounging under blankets and you have the perfect hygge holiday get-together.
How To Dine Hygge Style
It’s not so much about what food you eat. It’s how you eat. Hygge is all about comfort. It’s not a fancy, fussy dinner party. In fact, you can let go of perfection altogether and relax. Sit around with your guests and connect with them, laugh, and chat the night away. Slow down and savor the moments and enjoy being together. That’s what hygge is all about.
Mindful eating is another way to dine hygge style. Put away your phone and anything else that would distract you. Take deep breaths in and inhale the aromas of your food and drinks. Take small bites and focus on what you taste. Don’t be in a rush. This may help you eat less but be satisfied.
Serve seasonal comfort foods, and add lots of flavor. Use your favorite spices to enhance the flavors of your food. The holidays are a perfect time to serve foods spiced with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and orange. Serve your food on festive dishes, and garnish with fresh bundles of herbs. And don’t forget to save room for the freshly baked desserts that will make everyone’s mouth water!
Popular Hygge Recipes
If you want to host an authentic hygge holiday gathering, try some of these popular Danish holiday foods:
- Aebleskiver – the Danish version of pancakes, shaped into balls and served with lingonberries and powdered sugar.
- Smoked fish, roast duck, boiled or caramelized potatoes, sauteed red cabbage.
- Sour cream porridge or oatmeal porridge served with nuts, seeds, and berries.
- Risalamande – a delicious rice pudding with warm cherry sauce.
- Kanelbullar (Swedish cinnamon buns) and Struva (rosettes that are more donut than cookie).
- Glogg – spiced mulled wine filled with spices, almonds, and raisins. Serve with gingerbread cookies.
Family Tradition
Baking and cooking together are part of the hygge experience. Keep traditional family recipes alive by passing them down to your younger generations, teaching them how to prepare the foods themselves. Some day they will enjoy them with their own families.
Decide together as a family which comfort foods you want to make and enjoy for your hygge holiday gathering. Pot pies and baked casseroles are popular comfort foods you can make ahead of time and freeze until ready to heat and serve. Simmer soups and stews in your crockpot. Simmer your glogg on the stove while baking your cookies and cakes. As you and your family find favorite hygge comfort foods, store the recipes in a designated box to refer back to the next few years.
Hygge Gifts Everyone Will Love
Gifting your favorite homemade holiday treats will bring a smile to everyone’s face when they open them. Bake cookies and holiday fudge, then wrap them in festive cellophane to give as gifts. Make gift baskets with teas and coffees, pottery mugs, and other accessories. Invite your loved ones to relax with a good book and sip warm beverages while nibbling on spicy cookies. Spread the hygge holiday cheer this year!