Name: Catherine Overgaard
Class Year: 2003
Country of Residence: Denmark

Why is this recipe great? What’s its backstory? 

You may have heard recently of the Danish concept “Hygge” (pronounced hew-ga).  It’s gained quite a following around the world for its emphasis on living in cozy simplicity.  Hygge involves candles and wood stoves, book nooks and spending time with friends.  It’s about enjoying the simple things in life, really.  Though the concept can be applied year round (think beach picnics in the summer, making dinner with a friend in the fall) it is a must during the dark, very rainy winter months of Denmark. 

Gløgg, I would argue, is a key component of winter hygge, especially in the months leading up to Christmas.  It’s hygge in a glass – a go to drink for small get togethers on those dark nights.  It is often paired with æbleskiver – small round pancakes (like a golfball) that are dipped in jam or powdered sugar (I would have shared that recipe too – but it requires a very specific pan).  

Try it this winter and experience a little hygge for yourself!  As a side note – the simple syrup poured in a mason jar together with a bottle of wine is a great hostess present for a holiday party!

Gløgg

Serves   6.   Takes approx. 30 minutes

Ingredients:

Syrup:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 ¾ cups water
• Juice and zest of 2 oranges
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 5 cinnamon sticks
• 8 star anise
• 2 tsp whole cloves
• Pinch of cardamom

—–

• 1 bottle of red wine
• ½ cup dark rum or cognac (optional)
• ¾ cups slivered or chopped almonds
• ¾ raisins

Instructions:

Put all ingredients for the syrup together in a pot and simmer for 10 minutes.  The strain the liquid. Warm up the red wine and rum or cognac together with the syrup in a larger pot.  Be careful not to bring it to a boil.  Add the almonds and raisins.  Serve warm in a mug with a small spoon. 

Note: letting the syrup steep for 24 hours before making the gløgg will result in a stronger flavour.

Source:

My sister – which was likely passed to her from somebody else.