As the days grow short and the nights long, we turn inward, relying on our inner resources, and as keepers of the hearth, cooks play a central role in contentment. The need for coziness is real; it uplifts our mood and strengthens connection. Let’s keep our houses homes with a few pleasurable autumnal shifts

Hygge

The Danish concept of Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) captures coziness and conviviality. It involves creating a warm atmosphere, savoring simple pleasures, and spending time with loved ones. While I can’t delve into its intricacies here, I encourage you to explore it further. Meanwhile, let’s draw inspiration from the Danish and explore ideas together.

Create a Warm Atmosphere

We can craft ambiance with ingredients like pumpkins, winter squashes, apples, pears, fresh whole nuts, and local root vegetables. Use them in cooking and as decoration. A still life of squashes on my island inspires me to pick up a butternut or delicata and transform it into a soup, pie, or casserole.

Aromas and Spices

Grind your own pumpkin pie spice using whole, fresh spices. Now is the time to discard the stale and refresh your collection. I’ll say it again! Start with whole spices and grind them yourself for a boost in the quality of your cooking. Grinding spices is easy —I recommend the Secura Electric Spice Grinder with two stainless steel bowls. I buy most of my spices in bulk from the Food Coop, which is a sensorial experience. Begin with warming spices like cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, dried ginger roots, allspice berries, cloves, whole nutmegs, peppercorns, star anise, and fennel seeds. Using whole spices is an enticing practice that invites everyone to luxuriate in the aromas of baking, warm drinks, and long-simmered stews.

Spice Cheat Sheet

These are the spice amounts I use per loaf of quick bread, one cake or batch of cookies. They all harmonize, so mix and match according to what you’re baking.

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, or cassia

1 teaspoon of either fennel or anise seeds

2 whole star anise

¼ teaspoon allspice whole berries

¼ teaspoon black peppercorns

½ teaspoon grated nutmeg

4 whole cloves

½ teaspoon whole green cardamom pods

2 teaspoons powdered ginger or 1 tablespoon fresh paste

1 teaspoon coriander seed

Comforting Hot Drinks

Make it a habit to offer warm mugs of Delicious. My autumn favorites include hibiscus punch, nettle chai, and chicory coffee. Of course, classics like spiced cider and hot chocolate are always welcome. A hot drink invites relaxation, conversation, or a lively board game.

Lighting and Music

Pay attention to lighting and music to create atmosphere. Dim the lights and use twinkle lights or a candle to set the mood. Your playlists can evoke the right moods for cooking and chores. Create an eclectic mix from French Bistro to Miles Davis’s “Kinda Blue.” I especially enjoy piano solos in the autumn and tend away from music with lyrics to keep it relaxed.

At the Table

Design tablescapes that reflect the season. Consider using a color or textural palette, incorporating nature and having dishes reserved for autumn. Make it scary, magical, or simply harvest-themed. Use cloth napkins in earth tones, mugs, and pottery. Collect items that bring the magic alive. Anticipating seasonal changes helps us cope, so let’s be kitchen leaders and create coziness.

Sidonie Maroon is the culinary educator for the Port Townsend Food Co-op. For more spice advice and a pumpkin seed mole with pork shoulder and roasted veggies recipe, please visit our website at www.foodcowww.foodcoop.coop.