Danish cookbook author and entrepreneur Caroline Fleming on enjoying…

At a time when Americans are staying home, the Danish concept of hygge is perhaps needed now more than ever. While staying at home can induce stress, hygge (pronounced “hue-guh”) allows for moments of relaxation, contentment, and coziness—all while at home. But when your home is also your workplace, relaxation doesn’t come as naturally as it once did.

In celebration of International Hygge Day, on Feb. 28, Danish entrepreneur and cookbook author Caroline Fleming is debuting a new handbook, published in partnership with cheesemaker Castello, dedicated to all things hygge. Fleming recently spoke with Coins2Day about how hygge is enmeshed in Danish culture, and what Americans can learn about the practice, perhaps implementing it in their homes during these dreary last few weeks of winter.

The following interview has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.

Coins2Day: You’ve published a number of cookbooks and have a huge social media following on Instagram. What do you look for in a brand before entering a partnership?

I love working with brands that I actually use and love, and it’s important to be authentic with my fans when speaking about brands. When you already feel strongly about a brand, it makes the partnership seamless and fun, and any reason to be in the kitchen makes it even better.

Many Americans only became aware of the Danish concept of hygge within the past few years. What does hygge mean to you?

Americans are very work driven and therefore it can be hard to disconnect from their technology to focus on themselves, their friends and families, and what truly makes them happy. When I lived in London, the style of living was very similar: work always came first and life’s simple pleasures were often missed. Hygge is about that simplicity and being truly present in the moment. Being silly with your family without distractions, enjoying lovely music alone under cozy lighting, indulging in your favorite food or wine, and simply taking in the beauty of your environment. Cherish life, make positive choices that make you happy and let go of everything that doesn’t. That is hygge.

Personally, hygge means being able to be myself and completely at peace in my surroundings. Whether it’s cozying up to read a book, catching up with friends over a glass of wine, even if virtually, or making my favorite recipe, it’s doing what I love with the ones I love. And while Americans may be relatively new to the concept of hygge, there’s no better time to embrace it than in our current circumstances.

The handbook has great tips on how to incorporate hygge into your daily life as well as some of my hygge-inspired recipes made with the ultimate Danish comfort food: Havarti cheese. Havarti cheese is authentically produced here in Denmark, and with its creamy texture and buttery flavor, it’s literally hygge in food form.

The “Hygge at Home” handbook offers comforting tips and recipes from Caroline Fleming, including how to create an authentically Danish cheese board featuring Havarti, a semisoft Danish cow’s milk cheese.

What are your go-to methods for enjoying hygge? How can Americans enjoy hygge at home, especially when the boundaries between work and home are so blurred right now?

Make it a priority to find peace and happiness while being at home. Often, it can be hard to disconnect from the world, especially when you’re working from home and surrounded by technology, but try to find time to do so to reground yourself and focus on your well-being. Put your phone down and spend time with your family and with yourself. The Hygge at Home handbook is a great, free resource for those interested in additional hygge tips.

The handbook includes tips that will help readers be their happiest selves from the comfort of home. From setting the ideal mood lighting to experiencing togetherness even if virtually, these simple practices show hygge may be difficult to pronounce but easy to achieve! Readers will also learn how to craft the perfect hygge-inspired cheeseboard and how to make cozy recipes for any occasion—from a simple warm winter salad to a hearty chicken lasagna. Being in the kitchen making delicious food for the ones I love is my favorite form of hygge.

Hygge is typically thought of as something to enjoy in the winter months. Are there ways to enjoy hygge year-round?

Absolutely! Hygge doesn’t only need to involve cozying up next to a fire under a warm blanket. Hygge is a lifestyle that can be practiced every day, regardless of the season, by incorporating simple pleasures into your day, such as being present with family, lighting a candle to set the atmosphere, or even just taking a walk outdoors. Making daily reminders to ground yourself in gratitude and taking time to appreciate small moments throughout each day is also hygge!