In this chapter of How To Hygge, we'll dive into Hyggelig in the winter and how to accomplish the sense of coziness and happiness through these long, cold, dark months.
There's no doubt that winter is the most Hygge time of the year. Cozy up by the fire with a few friends or family members, drink some wine (or glogg), bake cookies, and play a board game.
Follow these ideas and how to's on creating Hygge in your home this winter...
COOK. AND COOK A LOT.
GLOGG
1 bottle red wine
1 cup of bourbon
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons orange zest
1 tablespoon cardamom pods
2 tablespoons fresh ginger root (sliced)
1 stick cinnamon
8 whole cloves
1 orange (sliced for garnish)
1) Add all ingredients except orange into large sauce pan.
2) Heat on low for 20 minutes. Do not bring to a boil.
3) Strain and place in mugs.
4) Garnish with orange slice and serve!
AEBLESKIVER (DANISH PANCAKES)
2 egg whites
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 egg yolks
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Butter for frying
1) In a bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they can hold a stiff peak. Set aside.
2) In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, sugar, egg yolks, melted butter, and buttermilk. Beat until smooth. Gently fold in the egg whites last.
3) Put a little butter in the bottom of each aebleskiver pan cup and heat until hot. (These pans can be ordered off most online marketplaces). Pour 2 tablespoons of the batter into each cup. As soon as they get bubbly around the edge, turn them quickly with a fork. Continue cooking, turning the ball to keep it from burning. Remove once lightly browned around the edges.
4) Top with powdered sugar and serve with jam of your choice.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Winter can be a lonely time in general. With social distancing and stay at home orders, being alone can become unbearable. Remember that most of your friends and family are feeling the same way and would love to connect in a socially safe atmosphere.
ZOOM GAMES
What better way to stay Covid safe while still experiencing laughter and happiness with your closest friends and family. Try these apps to get the party going:
1) theescapegame.com is a virtual escape room experience! Play with as many people as you want and see who can escape the room first.
2) Jackbox has a variety of different games including trivia, drawing, and more! Something for anyone and everyone!
3) Psych!, created by Ellen DeGeneres, is a trivia game where you make up fake answers to real questions.
ONLINE COOKING CLASSES
Want to get better at cooking but you're not sure how! We've been using Grandma Nonna's online cooking classes. Try it here > nonnalive.com
MOVIE NIGHTS
Set up a time to watch with your friends while being separate or throw a stay in move night with a few people from your small circle.
GET OUTSIDE
Wether you're in the mountains, by the beach, or somewhere in between, there's always a place to get outside! Skiing, hiking, or walking...get out and get active! Our favorite Atlanta winter activities..
1) Hiking. Wether it be around the Chattahoochee, Kennesaw Mountain, or a day trip up to Blue Ridge, there's infinite hiking in and around Atlanta.
2) Ice Skating. Check out Ponce City market roof for in town ice skating or make your way to the burbs at Avalon Alpharetta for a socially distant outdoor skate.
3) Walking. If you're in town, take a walk down the Beltine or the many historic neighborhoods. Bring the dog, relax, and enjoy the stroll. If you're outside the city, take a walk in your neighborhood park or head into your town for a stroll through the historic streets.
Now get out there, take these tips to heart, and get a lil Hyggelig! Just because its winter, doesn't mean life can't be fun AND cozy!