The Danish do “artfully cozy” like no other nation. They even have a special term for it, they call it hygge. Pronounced gutturally heurgha, hygge is a lifestyle ideology developed in the 18th century in Denmark.
The concept? Embracing the importance of small things that bring you comfort, happiness and gratitude. Curling up with a cat and a good book on a rainy afternoon, candlelight, bakeries, and homemade meals with friends are hygge.
In hosting a family dinner party for the holidays, we decided to follow the Danes and craft a hygge-inspired meal. For the table, eschewing traditional red and green we chose a rustic Scandinavian-influence; simple wood, clear glass, ceramics in blue and white, all from UNICEF Market.
Babette’s Feast is a story of generosity and gratitude set in Denmark’s frigid Jutland. The story goes that a famous Parisian chef flees to Denmark for refuge and finds employment with two spinsters in a tiny Lutheran village.
While in their service she wins the lottery, and cooks a decadent French meal for the village in gratitude for taking her in. One of my favorite tales of a meal and fitting in setting and ethos for our family dinner- we simply tweaked the 19th century menu a bit for our budget and palate.
For starters? Danish-style blinis with crème fraiche and smoked salmon on a rustic board accompanied by a glass of cava or champagne.
Babette served up a turtle soup-a seemingly un-hygge course. Instead, we prepared a saffron infused bouillabaisse in hand-blown glass bowls to make visible the savory broth floating with delectable mussels, clams, cod and fennel.
Babette served a 19th century delight Caille au Sarcophage (Quails in Sarcophagus) as a main course which in name alone is bleak and in concept and culinarily daunting.
We opted for a Danish staple; crispy roasted Cornish hens with a sweet buttery and parsley gravy, served family-style on a platter alongside a variation of Babette’s deliciously bitter endive salad.
And for Dessert? Baba au rhum with fresh fruit and sharp rich espresso with cream. No wonder Danes top the happiness index.
