By the Dart • Book Review Book Review HEALTH, HAPPINESS AND HYGGE… I
n my world these are life’s essentials. Health and happiness are self explanatory but ‘hygge’
(pronounced “hoo-ga” ) is the new buzzword in town. If you’re familiar with Scandinavian customs you’ll know about hygge as it’s an old Danish word but with no direct translation in English. In essence, it’s the enjoyment and the cosy glow you get from life’s simple pleasures - family, friends and undoubtedly food! Baking has long been a popular and traditional part
of Danish life and what better way to let those warm, fuzzy feelings flow than with a cake. Scandikitchen: Fika and Hygge: by Bronte Aurell (published by Ryland, Peters & Small) is a recent and welcome addition to the food and drink shelves. It’s written by a Dane who has long been tempting us Brits with her scandikitchen café in London and it’s described as “a celebration of comforting cakes and bakes from Scandinavia with love.” The book is a great introduction to Scandinavian baking with cakes for all times of day and all occasions incorporating all the favourite Nordic flavours including caraway, cardamon, cinnamon and fennel. Simplicity is key to hygge and for me it’s the key
to the best recipes. It’s also the subject of the latest book by my favourite cookery writer, Diana Henry - SIMPLE: effortless food, big flavours (published by Mitchell Beazley). This is fuss–free food packed with flavours and full of inspiration to liven up your kitchen or dinner table. Her ideas come from around the world and her recipes are those I return to on a regular basis. There may be one or two lesser known ingredients but it’s worth hunting them out as they really make the difference and the author is quick to suggest
alternatives. She is always keen to emphasise that easy meals do not need to scrimp on taste even suggesting a number of more exciting toppings to ‘zhoosh up’ the humble baked potato. As an unashamed carnivore, I could define hygge as a succulent steak, a juicy burger or a comforting stew. Harry Eastwood has them all in her new book Carneval (Bantam Press). This is a celebration of meat with 100 stunning, vibrant and down to earth recipes including swedish meatballs, Ragu Bolognese as well as Middle Eastern Kibbeh and Chinese Kung Pao Chicken. It is a meat lover’s guide (written by a former vegetarian!) which is well researched, informative and easy to follow.
by Emma Jones Leon Happy Salads written by Devon favourite
Jane Baxter and John Vincent (published by Conran) is one of my newest additions to the bookshelf. The cover and recipes inside are bright, fresh and vibrant and with a liberal sprinkling of vegetables and pulses this is guaranteed to stretch your repertoire. Jane has always had a talent to add bags of flavour to simple veg and, with recipes for classics as well as new creations and failsafe dressings, this book is guaranteed to have you feeling healthy and happy.
Lastly I come to the title which truly emcompasses
the feeling of hygge - Toast Hash Roast Mash: Real Food For Every Time of Day by Dan Doherty (published by Mitchell Beazley). This is the latest book by ‘one of the hottest chefs in London,’ and the man behind the successful Duck & Waffle restaurant. His first book won a number of awards but this new one is all about how the chef cooks at home for family and friends. Informal and easy are the key words but the recipes are full of flavour and there is even a tempting section devoted to hangover cures with the Ultimate Grilled Cheese sandwich and a homemade version of Nutella.
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