Last week on the blog Deborah and Verity shared 'Their Hygge', talking about some of the cosy, slow-living things they do at home to enjoy 'contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life‘ through this celebrated Danish concept.

One wonderful and easy way to create a Hygge moment is by cooking a favourite meal or making yourself something nice to drink, to feel refreshed or to relax with. It's just one of those simple, slow-living moments that you can fit easily into your daily routine.

Here are Deborah and Verity's favourites, along with recipes that you can try out at home.

Deborah (@nannasparks)

Favourite Hygge Meal: Coq Au Vin (serves 4)

"I love this dish because it’s a one pot meal that is super easy to make and is full of flavour. One of my hygge treats is to eat dinner on a tray while watching a favourite Netflix series. I love the fact that on these cosy dark evenings you can eat your dinner on a tray without feeling guilty!"

Ingredients:

12 Shallots (whole, skins removed)

55g Bacon (chopped)

12 Button Mushrooms (sliced)

4 Chicken Breasts

300g Carrots (chopped)

Bay Leaf, Thyme, Parsley

150ml Chicken Stock

360ml Red Wine

Put the shallots into a flameproof casserole dish, on the hob. Add the bacon and fry. Then add the chicken and brown off on each side, before stirring in the carrots and mushrooms. Lastly add the herbs, chicken stock and red wine. Gently simmer until cooked and serve.

Favourite Hyyge Drink: Frothy Oat Milk Coffee

"Oat milk tastes just as good as cows milk in coffee, making this drink a wonderful dairy-free alternative! I use Oatly Barista because it froths up so much more than regular oat milk"

For this relaxing treat make up a mug of your black coffee in your preferred way, even instant coffee works well. Then shake the carton of Oat Milk well before adding to the mug. Sweeten as desired and enjoy.

Verity (@mummasparks)

Favourite Hygge Meal: 'Fishy-in-a-Dishy'

"We enjoy this at least once a week and it’s our comfort meal, a favourite for all of us including Tilly so that’s a big plus! I use frozen fish, veg and mash, so for me, this adds to the 'hygge-ness' of this dish because it’s easy to prepare and it means I don’t spend ages in the kitchen away from Tilly"

To create this meal, Verity chooses to poach the cod fillet in milk (you can use oat milk as a dairy-free alternative). To make the sauce, melt 50g butter in another saucepan, then add 50g plain flour. Stir continuously until a paste forms, this is called a roux. Then whisk in a little more milk and gently warm. Keep whisking and adding milk, little by little until the sauce begins to thicken. Add salt to taste. Serve the cod with mashed potatoes and green vegetables.

Favourite Hyyge Drink: Energy-Boosting Smoothie

"This breakfast smoothie is great for those cold, January mornings when it's been a struggle to get out of bed!"

Ingredients:

Chopped frozen banana

Frozen strawberries

Fresh or frozen avocado

Milk (or oat milk/coconut milk)

Add all of the ingredients to a high-powered blender, then add bee pollen, Manuka honey or matcha tea for an added energy boost. Blend until smooth and enjoy right away or pour it into a thermos mug or cup to keep it cool and enjoy on the go!

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