I love to learn new things…I love to figure “stuff” out…it makes me happy.

With all of this cold and cozy weather we’ve been having this March…I’ve had time on my hands to read thru the stack of books on my ottoman and sort out the emails that have piled up! In doing so I came across an article in the New Yorker that explains a method of life…that I knew existed…but had no idea had a name! Hygge.

From this article I’ve realized that the term Hygge which is actually a Danish word, is the reason I’m in love with Pinterest, Instagram, and could actually live in a Pottery Barn Catalog.

Even the word ‘Hygge’ reads like a hug…cozy slippers, a fire, and my favorite gray oversized sweater.

According to The Book of Hygge, written by Louisa Thomsen Brits, The definition of the word Hygge, which is  pronounced “hoo-gah”, is a quality of presence and an experience of belonging and togetherness. It is a feeling of being warm, safe, comforted and sheltered.

Meik Wiking, who is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen ( yes, such a research institute exists!) wrote a book ….The Little Book of HYGGE, Danish Secrets of Happy Living. In his book, he suggests that the Danish people are in fact, the happiest on earth. The Happiness Research Institute is located in Denmark, so that they can study this “Happiness effect” and the reasons behind it. The word Hygge originates from a Norwegian word meaning “well-being”. The Danish people have been found to spend much of their time with family and friends and feel the calmest and most peaceful! I think we all need some of this Hygge!

My thoughts are…that this Hygge is not really a secret …and I think we as Americans have it…we just don’t use it enough…and don’t incorporate it into our life enough. It’s going to be my new motto…#hygge, #itsthelittlethings, #itsaboutthefamily #feedthefamily.

Below you will find a beautiful recipe which I consider to be Hygge…It will warm you up on these chilly spring days…and it will feed two…or a crew….Enjoy!!

Cook up some love,
The Butchers Wife

This recipe for Pork Osso Buco can be made for just two people…or for twelve! It’s that simple!

Click thru the gallery for step by step …the entire recipe is printed below …Happy Cooking!

Ingredients: (Click here for printable recipe) Pork Osso Buco recipe

Ask The Butcher for Pork Osso Buco. If you are feeling super fancy you can use Veal…but when feeding a crowd, the Pork is just as tasty and won’t bust the budget! I have made this Osso Buco in a Tagine for just the two of us…and also in a large roasting pan for the entire family…Use enough veggies to suit the amount of mouths you are feeding!

Pork Osso Buco ( I have used 12 pieces)
6 Russet Potatoes; peeled, rustic chop
3 large carrots; peeled and rustic chop
2 red onions; large chop
2 cups of white wine
2 cups of chicken stock
Olive Oil
Several Tablespoons of Butter
Handful of Fresh herbs (Sage, Rosemary, Thyme)
Fresh Cracked Salt and Pepper

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees

Prepare all of the veggies so that after you sear the meat you will be ready to go!

In a heavy saute pan, melt two tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the Pork with Salt and pepper and sear well on all sides. This is the most important step to insure a delicious result…so take your time and brown each side well. You may need to do this in several batches. (Save the pan drippings)

Scatter the prepared veggies in the bottom of a large roasting pan. Drizzle with four tablespoons of olive oil. Place the fresh herbs on top of the veggies and season with more salt and pepper.

Add the browned pork on top of the veggies in the roasting pan and drizzle with the pan drippings. Add the two cups of wine and two cups of stock to the roasting pan. Cover with foil and place in the pre-heated oven for thirty minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees and continue to roast for another two and a half hours. (total cooking time is three hours) Yum! Melt in your mouth…delciousness!

The pan juices can be thickened by heating them in a saute pan with a tablespoon or two of cornstarch. Whisk well and let them come to a boil. This will make a nice gravy!

Serve each piece of pork with the veggies on a plate or in a shallow bowl. I served mine with slow roasted beans as well…Add a loaf of Brick oven bread and you are good to go! #hygge 🙂