5 MAKE-AHEAD HYGGE RECIPES FOR HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

5 MAKE-AHEAD HYGGE RECIPES FOR HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

Hygge is based in ease and convenience in the kitchen — I learned from all the Danes I interviewed that having great pantry basics like tangy mustards, canned fish, great cheeses and hearty breads on hand are essential for casual hangs. I’ve taken that idea and gone one step more, creating recipes in TASTING HYGGE that hold up for a couple days, are simple to put together and get even tastier on the reheat. The holidays are crammed with socializing and it’s much easier to stay in with a few ace-up-your-sleeve recipes than meeting up at a restaurant. Besides now that I have a baby, all dates must come to a close by 6:30 pm

Read on for little preview of 5 recipes from the book . . .

Gingerbread Waffles

These waffles have all the rich, aromatic spices of the holidays — notes of candied gingers, molasses, freshly ground nutmeg (never gets old!) as well as cinnamon and topped with poached pears and creme fraiche. The recipe is simple to whip up once, make a bunch of waffles, freeze a batch and toast upon request/when an impromptu breakfast party ensues. Serve with a dollop of creme fraiche and maple syrup and you’ll be a goner.

Homemade Ricotta with all the Trimmings

Making ricotta is the simplest form of cheese-making. It requires no special equipment but the results are outrageously creamy, so much more decadent than the grocery store tubs. It’s honestly so light yet, dreamy, it makes a wonderful partner to any other jams, honeys or spreads you have knocking in the fridge. Luscious to smear on crackers, toast or slice of simple tea cake.

Swedish Tea Ring

This yeasted swirly beauty takes a bit of pre-planning with allowing the dough to rise, but it’s so glorious and worth the wait. A briochey dough laden with jam and almonds, it’s sublime. the type of treat perfect for having on the counter for a couple days and toasting a slice or tearing a bun off as you go about the day. My mom squealed in glee when I brought some over.

Braised Lentils on Toast

If you have a hearty bowl of lentils in the fridge and a good loaf of bread, you are rich. Such a humble, inexpensive meal, but one that always satisfies after a long day. This particular version has a few slivers of dried apricot for a touch of sweetness and plenty of vinegar for pluck. Double the recipe, have some friends over for lunch.

The Tomato Sauce

My Dad has performed a miracle — he’s cracked the code to the world’s richest, most spicy and decadent tomato sauce. It’s a recipe inspired by a family favorite restaurant in Little Italy — Vincent’s — on Mott and Hester in NYC — do you know it? Make a huge batch, can into jars and freeze for when only a bowl of spicy spaghetti will do.

Want more Hygge in your life? And the recipes to all these easy peasy dishes?

Preorder my new cookbook — TASTING HYGGE: JOYFUL RECIPES FOR COZY DAYS & NIGHTS, it comes out November 7 and makes a great holiday gift, especially for mamas who love quick, easy meals.

Original article and pictures take leelacyd.com site