LET’S HYGGE SEPTEMBER 2023

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 you are all doing well. I’m delighted to be welcoming September, the first month of Spring. It’s wonderful to witness the brighter mornings and the trees coming into blossom. I’m eagerly anticipating being able to bring the first blooming branches indoors.

I’ve been looking through our old photo albums which has been such a joy and has sparked so many memories. Our youngest son, Carl, is turning 21, which is quite a milestone. Also, my husband and I have been together for 30 years. All of this has made me want to stroll down memory lane and look through the old albums. I’ve had them placed on the coffee table where the rest of the family has also been able to take a peek and explore. Our sons were surprised to find out that we were younger than them when we met and started renovating our first apartment together in Copenhagen. Experiencing the joy of these old albums has inspired me to start creating photo books again. Below is a link that I’ve successfully used before to make some of mine.

This month, I’d like to share a family recipe with you for Danish Kokostoppe. They are a delicious treat and very easy to make.

It’s funny because while writing this, I’ve realised that the past month has been filled with looking back and revisiting things that I’ve seen before. I’ve had the pleasure of rewatching the fantastic film “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande”. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re in for a real treat!

I wish you a lovely September and I hope this little greeting will inspire you to go through your old photos, try out the Danish sweets or give a favourite Danish love song of mine a listen!

What a joy it has been to look through all of our old albums. It makes me want to start creating photo books again. I’ve previously used Momento with great success. They are easy to use and deliver great quality. If you are in Denmark I have had family that have used Ceve with great succes!

These Danish kokostoppe bring back so many happy memories of when the boys were little. We used to have tea after school with this special treat, but they still enjoy them now!

KOKOSTOPPE MED CHOKOLADE – COCONUT TOPS WITH CHOCOLATE

INGREDIENTS

Makes 12-15

INGREDIENTS
2 eggs
150 g of sugar
Zest of 1 lime
200 g shredded coconut
200 g dark chocolate

Note: Wetting your hands with a little cold water will help to form your coconut tops into nice, even shapes.

Place eggs and sugar in a bowl and beat well with a hand mixer.

Grate the lime zest and add, with the shredded coconut to the bowl containing the eggs and sugar. Mix together and allow to rest for 15 minutes.

Use a little cold water to wet your hands as you form the coconut tops. Place evenly onto a baking tray lined with baking paper.

Bake in a preheated fan-forced oven at 175 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden colour on top.

Allow to cool on a wire rack and then dip the bases in tempered chocolate. Leave them to dry for at least 30 min. Enjoy

“Good Luck to You, Leo Grande,” or in Danish, “Held og lykke, Leo Grande,” is a touching and courageous film about Nancy Stokes, a retired schoolteacher yearning for adventure and romance. Her plan to experience just this, involves hiring a young sex worker named Leo Grande. Emma Thomson brilliantly portrays Nancy Stokes. Press image below or watch the official trailer here!

In celebration of our 30th anniversary together, I’m sharing our favourite Danish song. It’s incredibly iconic for our generation in Denmark. Please enjoy it, even if you might not understand the lyrics. Have a listen on Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube.