How to Hygge

January 2, 2017
Hygge (pronounced HYOO-guh), a Danish term loosely translated as a combination of coziness, kinship, and conviviality, is a way of life according to chef and food writer Johansen (Scandilicious and Secrets of Scandinavian Baking). Here she gives readers dozens of inspiring suggestions on how to incorporate hygge into their lives, homes and meals. Taking time out to enjoy the outdoors regardless of season, curling up with a cup of boozy hot chocolate, and creating a comfortable and uncluttered living space are sure to resonate with readers in these harried times. So will recipes for comforting dishesL whiskey-cured gravlax; coconut oatmeal porridge; roast cauliflower, spinach, and blue cheese salad with cherries and walnuts. The recipes are easy to prepare, but a handful, such as smoked venison on sourdough, can be challenging to source on this side of the Atlantic. In most cases, substitutes are offered. Most will also appeal to American palates, and many are playful, such as her Champagne and Haribo candy cocktail, which combines bubbly with peach liquor and gummi candy. Throughout, Johansen’s tone is an embodiment of the philosophy: she encourages readers to appreciate the small moments, taking baby steps and savoring the ride rather than racing to the finish line. Readers interested in simplifying their homes and lives are sure to find plenty of practical recipes and suggestions here that they can implement immediately.

January 1, 2017
Hygge is a Danish-Norwegian word that describes a feeling of coziness, kinship, and hospitality. This concept has recently become popular in the U.S, as people look for ways to enjoy simple pleasures and increase their quality of life. This book offers a variety of recipes and strategies for making one's life more hygge, including striving for a balance of sedate and vigorous activities, spending time both in and outdoors, being self-sufficient, welcoming others into one's home through homemade food and drink, and cultivating a functional and stylish home. Johansen incorporates inspiration from luminaries such as Henrik Ibsen, Diane Ackerman, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and even Ron Swanson. The bulk of the book consists of over 50 recipes for snacks, meals, desserts, and drinks. The recipes all have Scandinavian roots, and the author includes a few sentences with each about her own inspiration. As camaraderie is a defining characteristic of hygge, ideally the preparation of these dishes will be a shared activity that brings the participants closer together. Appealing, subdued color photographs illustrate the recipes and concepts.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)