We can all agree that everyday life has shifted and been heavily impacted by the pandemic; from how we dine at restaurants and socialize to how we do our job and work. Although there have been many hardships that have arisen from this shift there have also been many blessings – if you choose to reframe how you look at all of this. For the first time ever Americans are forced to drastically slow down and practice self-care like never before. The concept of slowing down has actually been valued by other cultures for a long time now. Have you ever heard of the term hygge?
The Danish word hygge, pronounced “hoo-ga”, is translated into English as “coziness”. But it’s much more than that. Hygge is about feeling a moment, connecting with loved ones, slowing down, coziness, and being present. It’s an entire attitude to life that helps Denmark to tie with Switzerland and Iceland to be the world’s happiest country. To quote a must-read BBC article, “Research slowly confirms what those cold, northern happiest countries have known for a long time: Darkness and isolation can be celebrated because they provide the need for their relief. The act of creating our own light and warmth produces peace and contentment.”
Recently I was invited to Eighteen Twenty Wines to enjoy hygge safely outside. If you remember I visited their tasting room in February for a Galentine’s Brunch and since then they’ve been closed from March on. Thankfully owner Amanda O’Brien has been innovative about managing her business with takeout and delivery options and as of this week now offers outdoor seating! Complete with a propane heater, twinkly lights, and fuzzy blankets, she’s providing a fun, safe place for you to gather and embrace what hygge has to offer. Plus best of all Eighteen Twenty Wines currently offers mulled wine, wine by the glass, and individual charcuterie boxes from Union Kitchen in the outdoor tasting area.
As we head into the holiday season and being someone who openly struggles with seasonal depression, I’m especially leaning into hygge to get me through Maine’s long winters… especially during the pandemic. If people in the Scandinavian countries can exist in 17 hours of darkness per day in the depths of winter by focusing on life’s simple comforts such as good food and company, I think I can too. Speaking of good company, it’s important to sustain relationships with friends and family during this time. I was thrilled that the Hygge station at Eighteen Twenty Wines offered the perfect setting to meet up with my friend and local food blogger Keela (aka @eatwithspoon) and feel all at once safe and super cozy. Hot mulled wine and delicious cheese is the secret ingredient to warm both the heart and stomach.
My visit to the outdoor set up at Eighteen Twenty Wines reminded me of perhaps one of hygge’s biggest takeaways: it is so important to relax and feel as at-home as possible while being able to forget life’s worries. There’s so much to be anxious about in the world right now so be sure to take care of yourself in ways that are both self-honoring and good for the soul.
Eighteen Twenty Wines is open 2 – 7 Fridays and 12 – 7 on Saturdays at 219 Anderson Street, Unit 2 in Portland, Maine.
Mulled Bloom Wine Recipe
INGREDIENTS
/ 1 cup fresh orange juice
/ 1 cup water
/ 1/2 cup sugar
/ 2 cinnamon sticks
/ 2 whole star anise pods
/ 1 bay leaf
/ 2 oranges
/ whole cloves
/ 1 lemon
/ 1 bottle Bloom wine
/ Three of Strong – Parchando, 5 year (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Combine orange juice, water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, bay leaf, and star anise pods in a pot over medium-high heat. Bring to a slight boil and then reduce to low heat. Halve and juice the two oranges into simmering liquid. Stud the squeezed orange peels with cloves (we do at least 12 on each half) and add to the pot. Halve and juice the lemon. Add to pot. Add the bottle of bloom and let the liquid warm up again. Ladle into glass mugs and serve.
Mulled White Wine Recipe
INGREDIENTS
/ 1 orange
/ whole cloves
/ 3 whole star anise pods
/ 1 piece (1 inch) peeled fresh ginger, sliced
/ 1 cup water
/ 1/4 cup sugar
/ 1 bottle Meadow Rhubarb Wine
INSTRUCTIONS:
Using a vegetable peeler, peel orange into strips, and remove any white part. Push 5-6 cloves into each peel. Add clove-studded orange peel, the star anise, ginger, water, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stir to dissolve sugar, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, add wine. Let stand for 20 minutes to mull and then serve.
This post is sponsored by Eighteen Twenty Wines. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
No Comments