LET’S HYGGE March 2022

Let's hygge Lindbjerg Graphic Journal Blog

[definition of hygge]

a quality of cosiness and comfortable living that engenders a feeling of contentment and well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).

Add a little hygge to each month

I hope this newsletter finds you well. I have been busy creating a new e-book to share with you as thanks for your wonderful support and feedback. It’s all about celebrating EASTER and is filled with things to cook, create and celebrate. You will receive it in your inbox within a couple of weeks! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy what I have gathered together for you for the month of March. As I am writing to you I am loving the elegant scent of wild lilies picked along the roadside as I was travelling home to Sydney. As many of you know, picking flowers is something that always makes me smile and I hope that this newsletter will inspire you to do things that make YOU smile. There are secret snowdrop letters to make and gift to your loved ones and a simple recipe for pickled nasturtium seeds which I use to spice up our salads.

I wish you a lovely, unhurried March with lots of smiles – let’s hygge!

In Danish these letters are known as GÆKKEBREVE. This is a very old tradition where each secret snowdrop letter is decorated with snowdrops and a little handwritten rhyme. The letters are sent anonymously, signed only with a dot for each letter of the sender’s name. The recipient must guess who the letter is from and if they don’t succeed, they owe the sender a Chocolate Easter egg… If they guess correctly, the sender gives them an egg!

ALL YOU NEED:

white paper
a rhyme/poem
scissors
your favorite pen

STEP BY STEP:

Step 1: Fold a square of paper in half 3 times and begin cutting your pattern.
Step 2: Remember to leave the centre free for your rhyme.
Step 3: If you open the square you can check how your pattern is looking.
Step 4: Open out the letter, write your rhyme and send it off to a loved one!

I keep these jars of pickles in the fridge and use the capers in salads, served with fish or in homemade pesto. The possibilities are endless! The pickled seeds taste like capers with a twist of wasabi, yum!

PICKLED NASTURTIUM CAPERS

Nasturtium seeds
good quality salt
apple cider vinegar
optional: herbs of your own choice (bay leaves, thyme or rosemary)

These are so simple to prepare – just begin by picking the nasturtium seeds from the plant and placing them in a sterilized jar. To sterilize your jars simply boil water, pour into the jars and the lids and then empty carefully. Cover the seeds with apple cider vinegar and a little salt.

I watched “Never look away” (Værk uden skaber) a few years ago during the German Film festival. It is a film that I will never forget – it felt like time had stood still for those 3 hours. It is a fantastically captivating movie with incredible cinematography, supported by the most beautiful musical score. I am looking forward to seeing it again!

If you are in Denmark it can be seen on HBO and in Australia it can be streamed for free on SBS ONDEMAND.

The first time I saw wild lilies growing along the roadside, my heart skipped a beat. I find it incredible to live in a country where you can freely pick flowers that can only be found in flower shops in Denmark. It is such a treat to be able to fill my vases with these elegant white flowers whose scent is milder and more delicate than the lilies you buy. At this time in Denmark though, they are blessed with pretty snowdrops which are just perfect for decorating secret snowdrop letters! Good luck with your flower hunting!

As I have been writing to you, I have been listening to the “Never look away” soundtrack by Max Richter. Ever since seeing the movie I have enjoyed playing the music from time to time. One of my favourite songs is “The Mind’s Eye”. Have a listen to the music here – click on the image!

For my last birthday, friends gave me a pair of National Trust Secateurs by Burgon & Ball. What a thoughtful gift they were. Every time I use them I admire how comfortable they are to grip in my hand and the lovely craftsmanship that has gone into making them. If you are an eager gardener too, you may want to check them out here – click on the images!