Happy Hygge Week!

It’s time to get cozy…time to forget about the fact that it’s Monday and to just find your happy place.  It’s time to dig out your woolen socks, wrap yourself in that thick-knit blanket you bought on Etsy when those were a thing, and sip a hot cup of tea, coffee, milk chocolate or cider as you read or listen to your favorite jazz record.  It’s time to hygge.

I first heard about hygge on NPR when the author of The Little Book of Hygge, Meik Wiking, was interviewed after the word “hygge” was named the Oxford English Dictionary’s Word of the Year in 2016.  He spent about 10 minutes trying to explain how to say “hygge” (it’s pronounced HOO-gah), then went into explaining the idea behind this Danish lifestyle.

Roughly translated to mean “cozy”, hygge is a lifestyle concept.  It’s about making your atmosphere cozy, about building in elements of togetherness, savoring simple pleasures, and encouraging yourself to embrace relaxation.

Think about the ultimate cozy afternoon…a storm brewing outside…a big blanket on your feet…a fire raging while you read your favorite murder mystery book…this is all hygge…and it’s amazing.

After hearing about hygge on NPR, I stored it away in my brain and meant to come back to it, but honestly totally and completely forgot about it…that is until one of my dear friends suggested I read this book called, The Little Book of Hygge and write about it on The Hobbee Hive…and here we are!  Thanks, Bridget!! ❤

My husband read The Little Book of Hygge first and was instantly hooked.  I read it after him and also fell in love with this lifestyle.  We immediately began incorporating hygge into our life…being more present at home, cooking delicious meals together while listening to jazz music, even removing the TV from our living room to encourage more discussion and togetherness with friends and family.

Hygge has become such an important part of our lives that I couldn’t wait to share it with all of you!  I wanted to wait until the fall/winter to make it easier to embrace hygge, as it is harder (but not impossible) to be hygge in the warmer months.

And there’s no better way to experience a full hygge experience than with a rich, delicious, stick-to-your-ribs comfort meal!

Pulled right from The Little Book of Hygge, this meatballs recipe is so delicious and will make your home smell AMAZING.  Turn on some Sarah Vaughn and let yourself embrace the night with this tasty and comforting hygge recipe!

Danish Curried Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs or 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 egg
• 2 finely chopped onions
• 3 garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper
• 4½ lbs. ground pork
• 4 cups beef stock

For Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 heaping tablespoons mild yellow curry powder
• 1 large chopped onion
• 1 large chopped leek
• 5 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Place the breadcrumbs or flour with the egg, onions, garlic, salt and pepper in a big bowl and mix well. Add the pork, mix it again and leave in the fridge for one hour.

Using a spoon, form the mixture into the meatballs. Boil a pan of water, add the beef stock and the meatballs and let it simmer for five to ten minutes (depending on the size of the meatballs). Remove the meatballs from the liquid, but retain it.

Melt the butter in a pot, add the curry powder and let it brown for a couple of minutes.

Add the chopped onion and leek and let them, too, brown for a couple of minutes. Add flour, and mix well. Then add some of the cooking liquid, little by little, stirring until the sauce thickens. Add the cream and the meatballs and simmer for about 12 minutes.

Garnish with parsley and serve with rice, noodles, or garlic mashed potatoes, like I did!

Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips.