Nordic Indulgence

The holidays are over and you’ve just spent the last month detoxing, dieting, and working out like a maniac which has hopefully resulted in attaining your New Year’s goal! It’s time to take a well deserved break. Now I’m not suggesting binging till the cows come home but a short, sweet, cozy, perhaps even a boozy time-out may be just what you need to chase away the winter blues.

The latest global craze is the Nordic lifestyle trend of “Hygge” pronounced “hue-gah”.  This is a time honored Danish tradition of making the most of personal moments in cozy comfort during the day or a communal experience with family and friends that does not include your digital device. Whether alone, with friends, family or simply your favorite person taking a few minutes to indulge in something sinfully delicious like a five minute un-plugged coffee break with a luscious pastry and latte or a cocktail and Hors D’oeuvre with friends after work, the idea is to splurge just a little within reason.

One thing that hygge embodies is no matter your lifestyle you can find an oasis of calm and tranquility, a little “me or us” time if you will, that requires no more than what you have on hand. Here are few ideas to hygge your way to culinary bliss.

Chocolate coconut cookies and white hot cocoa, a ginger spiced Manhattan paired with bacon wrapped dates or prosciutto wrapped figs, a pot of butternut squash stew with a bold red wine. Don’t forget your family, friends or a good book!

There have been at least six books published in 2016 in the U.S. and more to come this year along with various articles written on the subject of “Hygge”. So google “Hygge” and let the newest trend sweep you away!