SUMMER
Hygge Delight in the flavorful and naturally beautiful food of Scandinavia this season RECIPES BY BRONTË AURELL
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nderstanding the concept of lagom (not too much, not too little, but just right) is to appreciate that the spirit of Scandinavian countries is based around ensuring that everything they do is in balance. Eating well and balanced are concepts Danish cook and restaurateur Brontë Aurell brings together in her book, “ScandiKitchen Midsommar: Simply Delicious Food for Summer Days,” to produce good food with respect to both tradition and modern trends in healthy eating. Balance a love of cake with fresh salads, for example. Follow a heavy lunch with a light dinner. And open sandwiches on fiber-rich rye bread means they don’t skimp on the mayo. Scandinavians’ summer food is perfect for enjoying outdoors, whether relaxing in the garden with friends or on a family picnic, evoking a magical sense of summer hygge. This concept (pronounced “hoog-uh”) is more than winter’s candles and cozy time indoors; summer hygge means enjoying the great outdoors—and what better way to illustrate this Danish word that describes a mood of comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment than to enjoy a delicious meal with those you hold dear? The following recipes from Aurell’s book will give you a taste of these Scandinavian concepts and new dishes to try. –mary subialka
38 real food summer 2022
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4/12/22 4:15 PM
