"Hygge" has been trending and if you are ready to hunker down, snuggle in a blanket fire side, and be nourished by a warm cup of tea - this is for you.
The lovely poetic translation of the Danish word 'hygge' is best defined by hyggehouse.com:
"Hygge (pronounced hue-gah)... is a feeling or mood that comes taking genuine pleasure in making ordinary, every day moments more meaningful, beautiful or special... Some refer to hygge as an 'art of creating intimacy' (either with yourself, friends and your home). While there’s no one English word to describe hygge, several can be used interchangeably to describe the idea of hygge such as coziness, charm, happiness, contentness, security, familiarity, comfort, reassurance, kinship, and simpleness. Danes created hygge because they were trying to survive boredom, cold, dark and sameness and the undefinable feeling of Hygge was a way for them to find moments to celebrate or acknowledge and to break up the day, months or years. With so many cold, dark, days, the simple act of a candle glowing with a cup of coffee in the morning or a home cooked evening meal with friends can make a huge difference to one’s spirit."
In blustery weather, we can empathize! It is a perfect season for a good ol' hot toddy or dark brew coffee, but maybe you need something more. Keep those fingers (and toes!) warm with this delicious Ayurvedic recipe that will strengthen your digestion and boost your immunity. It helps balance the Vata dosha, calming agitation, soothing the respiratory system, and gently warming your heart.
Hygge 'Bonfire' Cider Latte
Organic Ingredients:
4 cups peeled, chopped apples (roughly 4 - 6 whole apples, depending on size)
2 cups of filtered water
1 - 2 cinnamon sticks
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp freshly grated turmeric root
1/4 tsp freshly grated ginger root
1 can full-fat organic coconut milk
1 - 2 tbsp of loose leaf chai tea (can be 1 - 2 chai tea bags)
Directions:
Place peeled, chopped apples into food processor and blend
Put apple purée into a medium sized sauce pan, covering with filtered water
Bring to a boil, lowering heat to a simmer for 30 mins
Over low heat, add cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, turmeric, and ginger; let steep for 15 mins, stirring occasionally
Remove from heat. Add chai tea, using 1 tbsp for a mild flavor or 2 tbsp for full bodied flavor. Let sit for 5 - 10 mins, depending on desired strength
Strain all liquid through a fine sieve into two mugs
Using the same sauce pan, heat up the coconut milk until hot (150-155 degrees is ideal!)
Split the coconut milk between the two mugs and share with a friend