With autumn around the corner, nesting, cozying, and eating are all that we here at We Love Fire can think about. Temperatures are dropping, the leaves are changing, and nature is slowly going back into a restful slumber. Hibernation is on the horizon, but it does not have to be dull! It should be a time of heartfelt sharing, strengthening family bonds, guiltless indulgence, and finding beauty in the present moment. Whereas we tend to feel guilty about spending too much time indoors during the cold season, the Nordic countries have fully embraced these traditions. In fact, the Norwegians have practiced and perfected Hygge for generations and have found a way to make it the most relaxing and peaceful period of the year. For them, Hygge is meant to feel just like a big, tight hug.
Not sure how to start incorporating this Norwegian culture into your life? Start by reading this We Love Fire article on the 5 steps to developing the Hygge attitude.
One thing is sure, comfort food is essential before hibernation begins. So why not let us share the most delectable, curated list of recipes that will keep you warm until springtime? Here are Heartwarming Hygge Recipes for the Cold Season!
One thing to note when it comes to the Hygge lifestyle is that it is important to allow some indulgences instead of completely avoiding certain foods. It is healthy for the soul to treat ourselves on occasion, so consider the upcoming chilly season as the ideal time to do so.
Desserts first, always!
Who doesn’t love the smell of a chocolate cake baking in the oven? For the ultimate decadent, ooey-gooey, frosted cake, try this adapted recipe from New York’s famed "The Silver Palate Cookbook" by the New York Times. It makes enough slices for a whole party and will leave your sweet tooth aching.
For the cake you will need:
➼½ cup (or 1 stick) of unsalted butter (+ extra to grease the pan)
➼1¾ cups + 2 tablespoons of unbleached all-purpose flour (+ extra to flour the pan)
➼3 ounces of unsweetened chocolate
➼1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
➼2 cups of sugar
➼2 eggs, separate the whites and yolks
➼1 teaspoon of baking soda
➼½ a cup of sour cream
➼1 teaspoon of baking powder
For the frosting you will need:
➼2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
➼¾ cups of semisweet chocolate chips
➼6 tablespoons of heavy cream
➼1 cup of sifted confectioners' sugar
➼1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 10-inch tube pan.
- Cut the chocolate and butter into small pieces and place in a large bowl. Pour 1 cup boiling water over them; let stand until melted. Stir in the vanilla and sugar, then whisk in the egg yolks, one at a time.
- In a small bowl, mix the baking soda and sour cream and whisk into the chocolate mixture. Sift the flour and baking powder and add to the batter, mixing thoroughly.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff but not too dry. Stir a quarter of the egg whites thoroughly into the batter. Gently fold in the remaining whites.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Set on the center rack of the oven and bake until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, unmold and cool completely before frosting.
- To make the frosting: Place all the ingredients in a heavy saucepan over low heat and whisk until smooth. Spread on the cake while the frosting is still warm.
The more time it takes, the better it will taste!
A general rule of thumb for Hygge is to truly appreciate the time it takes to confection a meal. Usually, the longer something marinates, the better it will absorb the flavors. Keep this in mind while cooking and you shall not regret the end results.
Here are some ideas for slow-cooked meals that will leave you full and satisfied:
➼ A pot roast – this dish is not only easy to make, but it is also a classic enjoyed by the whole family.
➼ A chicken soup (for the soul!) – simply throw in any vegetable that you would like in a pot of broth along with some herbs, noodles, and chicken. Voilà! The perfect way to warm up.
➼ Coconut lentil curry recipe – cheap, flavorful, and vegan!
Sharing is caring!
For most, sharing the food on their plate is totally out of the question, even with a loved one. Good food usually makes us territorial, but with some of the following treats, sharing doesn’t seem so bad!
➼ A potluck – have family, friends, or even neighbors join in on the fun! Everyone brings a different dish to share. Save time doing the dishes and experience new foods, a win-win!
➼ A chocolate or cheese fondue – a great way to spend quality time with family whilst sharing platters of tasty ingredients. Don’t forget to kiss your neighbor on the cheek if you drop something in the pot!
➼ Popcorn – This snack is supreme, as it can be elevated in a number of ways. The Food Network suggests starting off with corn kernels that you pop on the stovetop and then adding your preferred toppings. Here are some of our favorites!
➾Brown Butter Lemon: Add 6 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat until it has browned (about 7 minutes). Then, remove from the heat and stir in 1 ½ teaspoons of grated lemon zest. Drizzle the sauce over 16 cups of hot popcorn and add 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Toss until coated.
➾Parmesan Rosemary: Toss 16 cups of hot popcorn with ½ cup of grated parmesan, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt.
➾Peanut Butter: Heat 1 cup of honey and ¾ cup of sugar over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes). Then, stir in 1 cup of peanut butter and 1 teaspoon each of vanilla extract and kosher salt until smooth. Pour the mixture over 16 cups of hot popcorn and toss. Spread on baking sheets and let cool. Add nuts or banana chips for extra crunch!
Gulp, gulp, gulp!
Whether it be coffee, tea, hot chocolate, mulled wine, or cider, enjoy a nice cup of something warm this season. Pair your drink with some fuzzy socks and a good book, and we promise you, you won’t regret it. Also, keep an eye out for our upcoming article on hot seasonal beverages for more drinks that pair well with cozying up around the fire.
Handcrafted, with love
The Hygge lifestyle is clear on one thing: try as much as possible to avoid processed foods. Everything is better when it is made by hand anyway because you can infuse it with the ultimate ingredient: love! So why not try your hand at baking bread for the first time or making your own pasta? Gather your family and make rolling dough a new family tradition that every member will cherish.
Still curious about the topic of Hygge and want to learn more about it? Head to We Love Fire’s What is Hygge? All About This Cozy Lifestyle for everything you need to know about this Norwegian and Danish concept.
For amazing, authentic Nordic Hygge recipes, go check out 20 Hygge Recipes To Cozy Up With, for recipes that will surely leave your belly (and your heart!) full.
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