A Foodie's Guide to Hygge

Ahh, the nights are drawing in, the air’s got that crisp edge, and it’s finally time to embrace the best season of the year: cosy season! You know what I’m talking about: fuzzy socks, mugs of hot chocolate bigger than your head, and the smell of something delicious baking in the oven. It’s the perfect excuse to slow down, snuggle up, and (most importantly) eat comfort food 😋✨

But here’s a little something to chew on: our obsession with this cosy vibe isn’t exactly new. There’s even a word for it, thanks to the Danes, called hygge (pronounced hoo-gah, if you’re feeling fancy)! It’s all about warmth and contentment, AKA the spirit of autumn and winter wrapped in a blanket. And food, folks, is at the heart of it.

But not just any food, folks- I'm talking about the belly-warming, soul-soothing dishes that are made for cold nights. From steamy soups to hearty golden pies, we’re diving into how to use it today and the history of how food became a central part of this cosy season 🍂

Here’s some ways you can bring some hygge spirit into your life this autumn👇

1. Bake Something Cosy🧑‍🍳

Set aside an afternoon to bake a pie or a batch of pasties either from scratch (if you have the time!) or from your fridge. The process itself is healing- slow, mindful, and satisfying. You could try a classic apple pie or savoury pastries filled with your go-to comforting ingredients- the possibilities are endless🥧

2. Turn Your Home into a Hygge Haven🏠

Dim the lights, light some candles, and let the smell of baked goods fill your space. Wrap yourself in a warm blanket, put on your favourite PJs, put on the TV and let the warmth of your home set the tone for the perfect night in!

3. Host a Pie-Night with Friends🍽️

Nothing says hygge like gathering loved ones around a table. So why not invite your closest friends or family over for a pie-filled evening?! Gathering round the table, playing games and sharing stories are some of the best memories you can have (and the most hygge-esque too!)

4. Take a Hygge Break with a Pasty in Hand🍃

If life’s feeling hectic, grab a warm pasty, find a quiet spot, and just be. Take a few moments to enjoy your surroundings, savour each bite, and let the simple pleasure of good food ground you in the moment. After all, hygge isn't just about being indoors—it’s about finding comfort wherever you are, even if that's enjoying a warm baked treat on a frosty day❄️

By incorporating these little touches of hygge into your life, you’ll be embracing the Danish art of cosiness and contentment in no time! Now, let's dig a little deeper into hygge throughout history, shall we?

Historically, as soon as the weather turned, people shifted into survival mode. Colder months meant preserving the harvest and preparing for the long winter ahead- especially in countries like Denmark! Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips became staples🥔🥕Anything that could be turned into a hearty stew or pie was fair game- and yes, pies have been beloved for centuries! 

Pies, with their flaky golden crusts and rich fillings, were perfect for trapping heat and keeping food fresh for longer. Though some pies were cooked exclusively with root veg, the addition of available meat was also popular- think of something like our awesome  Sheep Pie for instance 🐑

The medieval folk might not have called it hygge just yet, but biting into a warm pie when it’s dark and cold outside? 🥧That’s about as hygge as it gets! Despite this concept dating back so far, hygge as a term was coined as late as the 1800s😲The limited amount of wintery warm food options outside of stews and pies carried on from medieval Denmark all the way to the 19th Century. It really is that harsh and cold up there🥶❄️

Fast forward to the 21st Century, and while Danes now have access to a global pantry of ingredients, they still lean into their roots of comfort cooking. And their seasonal focus on food helped shape the modern hygge philosophy: it’s not just about what you eat, but how you enjoy it!