Most of us are keeping the holiday lights burning through mid-January – we’ve only just turned the corner on gaining daylight hours, so we still need all the candles and Christmas lights to see us through these darkened days and nights. The concept of hygge comes to mind and we shall lean into that during the coming weeks. Red and ivory tapers lend light and warmth to any space and are the easiest way to transform a place into a cozier scene. Scandi design employs lots of candles during winter months, which may play a part in how well they navigate this dim season.
For my efforts in harnessing the hygge energy, I’m getting back into the baking scene, such as these lemon cardamom sweet rolls and this Danish bread, pumpkin seed disaster be damned. The Danish bread is hearty and rustic, ideal for carrying smoked salmon or deli meats with some creme fraiche and fresh dill. It’s also been a while since I’ve baked any bread loaf, and that’s an idea way to conjure a cozy environment.
So much of life is about seeing busy to distract us from thinking too much – at least I assume that’s why we do so many ridiculous activities. My baseline is more contemplative than that, but I do find solace and value in baking and cooking, along with sitting still beside a burning candle. Winter unfurls…
