For Christmas this year I created a Hygge Inspired Holiday table and a very delicious Christmas plum cake. The higgle desire has intensified over the years and this birthday my hubby and sister gave me The little book of hygge and Scandinavian interiors book which has completely enamoured my soul. Most of the stuff on the table is vintage which I have collected over the years. I tried my best to make a minimalist table and using all the elements of a Hygge living. My love for all things Scandinavian started with my first project at Ericsson Finland. Over the years I have infused it with minimalism and now sustainable living. Read on for some inspiration. If you are interested in my previous year table scapes then please read these blog posts, Halo Inspired tablescape, Festive Tablescape and Classic winter inspired Tablescape.
The Christmas Wallpiece
I was graded crazy after this antic. So I went to the nearby woods for a walk while others went for a regular hike I went on with a secret mission. The previous night we have strong Gail winds and quite naturally couple of autumn naked branches had been smashed on the ground. So, I dragged a broken branch all the way home while my family refused to be a part of this act. Dad and kids walked ahead while I sheepishly tread behind with my prized possession. Though this bizarre act was rather appreciated when it made our blank walls look rustic and timeless. It looked absolutely splendid when decked with baubles and wreaths.
Metal Baubles
There is nothing wrong with plastic and glass baubles but in order to support sustainable ethos we just recycled some of our old baubles and very slowly are scaling to a stock of metal baubles. They are unbreakable and have a subtle sheen and contribute less towards plastic pollution. I wouldn’t say they are value for money as for 10 quid you could get a whole box of plastic baubles. These baubles that I have are from one world and for £1.50 each.
What is Hygge ?
Hygge is about an atmosphere and experience which you enjoy with the people you love or be at peace with yourself if you are alone. You are happy in that very moment. Here are some phrases which resonate with the very word, “the art of creating intimacy”,”cosiness of soul”, “absence of annoyance: and “cocoa by the candlelight” as quoted by Meik Wiking in his little book of Hygge.
Hygge Ethos
I wanted to surmise some of the key elements of Hygge living which resonate with me and my life and some definitions interpreted according to perception:
Atmosphere – The ambiance created by the light at your home or your soul is atmosphere.
Presence – To be present in the moment.
Equality – Its always a Us and not about you and me.
Gratitude – If you feel grateful in this era, you are alive.
Harmony – Humility is a valued quality and a rarity.
Comfort – The feeling called as warm, opulence or simplicity.
Truce – There is no place for extremism. Polarised thoughts are forbid.
Togetherness – Foster the feeling of closeness and happiness among people.
Shelter – Build a home not a house inside and outside.
Pandemic
This year in UK Christmas went with Tier 4 in our region. So many people all around UK spent their Christmas alone as they couldn’t travel due to restrictions. What was very important to realize that we have our loved ones safe somewhere so that we can spend many more happy occasions with them in the future is the hope and sacrifice many have made this year.
What we could do is create an ambiance within our universe which resonates with the spirit of Christmas.
Christmas plum cake
- 150g plain flour
- 60g cup white sugar for caramel syrup
- 100g white sugar (if you prefer less sugar you can alter the measurements)
- 100g unsalted butter, at room temperature and cut into cubes1 tsp sweet cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- A pinch of salt salt
- Note:
- 1/4 cup black raisins and 1/2 cup mixed dry fruits (dates, cherries, orange peels, etc)
- Pre-heat oven to 350F / 180C. I have used a bundt pan but you could use a normal springform tin. Either add melted butter in brush all the edges carefully and add some flour evenly to coat the cake tin. The easy way is to line the cake tin with baking paper and ensures easy removal of cake from the cake tin.
- In a nonstick pan on medium heat, melt 1/2 cup sugar slowly and this without water.
- During the first melt the sugar will melt into dark brown caramel shade. Use a wooden spoon to stir the syrup and do not let it burn.
- Turn off heat and add about 1/4 cup water. The sugar will harden.
- Now have a little patience as it might seem like something is wrong but allow it to melt slowly and it will approximately take around 10 minutes to form your final dark caramel syrup. Let this cool and set aside.
- Add 3 tbsp flour to the dry fruits and nuts and dredge completely to coat it. This will ensure the raisins are scattered evenly all over the cake and do not settle to the bottom.
- Sieve the remaining flour, baking powder, spices, and salt once to ensure the flour has no lumps.
- I have used a kitchen aid mixer but you could use an electric whisk to beat the butter and 3/4 cup sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla and mix until combined. Next, add 1 egg and beat. Then add a bit of the flour mixture and fold. Alter these steps thrice until the whole flour is mixed into the batter. Do not mix it in one go as it will create lumps in the cake.
- Add the cooled caramel and soaked and floured fruits into the batter.Then gently fold in with a rubber spatula. Pour batter into a greased cake pan and smooth the top.
- Now put your cake tin on the middle tier of the oven and rotate it once at 30 mins to ensure even heating.
- Bake for 50-55 mins until the top turns a dark brown and when a skewer inserted into the cake comes out with dry crumbs.
- Once the cake is done allow the cake to rest for 10mins before cooling it on the wire rack.
