How To Enjoy Winter: A Bit of Nordic Wisdom

easy comforts + old classics (also, I'm in a magazine!)

Nov 30, 2021

Allô! 👋

Every year, we experience the same sort of weather. And yet, somehow, every year, we express the same sort of surprise: “My goodness, how did it get to be so dark so soon?”, “I'm freezing”, “It's so hard to walk/drive on this ice/snow!”.

My brother and I have a theory that we, as a species, have some kind of "advantageous-in-a-natural-selection-type-of-way" seasonal amnesia that lets us forget just how unpleasant it is to be inhabitants of a part of the world that sometimes feels like it really shouldn't be habitable.

Luckily, this collective annual memory loss seems to impact positive aspects of our existence, too. We often forget less-obvious winter perks like the lack of mosquitoes and allergenic pollen flying through the air, the invigoratingly crisp scent of a fresh cold breeze, the ease with which one can hide a bad hair day with the aide of a comfy tuque or hat, and, of course, the delight to be found in preparing, sharing and savouring rich, hearty, soul-soothing meals.

This newsletter is all about (em)bracing (for) winter, be it through food or through appreciating — or, at the very least, accepting — nature for what it brings this time of year. 'Tis the season for easy comforts and old classics: thick soups, substantial stews, robust salads, roasts of all kinds, hot drinks and spiced sweets. It is also the season for layers — of flavour, of comfort, and of love (...and of clothing ...and of snow).

I have loads lined up to share on Instagram in the coming weeks, so I hope you'll excuse the slightly-shorter-than usual newsletter. Scroll on for some news, some recipes, and some winter tips!

Here's wishing you a happy December, a healthy New Year and some well-deserved winter rest,

👋simone

first, some exciting news!
📣

In case you haven't seen my face recently — this statement applies to family and friends as much as it does to everybody else reading this newsletter — well, here it is! In print! I think the last time my picture was printed editorially was when I volunteered to be in my university's (very cheesy) welcome brochure. Before that, as a kid in a local newspaper, playing soccer with my brother and a friend at our town's brand new sports and recreation centre.

So, needless to say, I was both shocked and humbled when Trois Fois Par Jour kindly reached out and asked to feature me in the November issue of their journal. In it, I answered a few questions about moving to Norway, my background in public health, and my approach to cooking. I also shared three Norwegian recipes fit for the festive season! You'll want to keep an eye out for these, as they should also be published online on troisfoisparjour.com very soon.

it's late fall
(but feels like winter)
what to cook?
❄️

In case you missed 'em, here are the newest and most seasonally-appropriate recipes from the site:

roasted squash chili ginger garlic soup

ideal for days when you need a quick homemade pick-me-up (and chicken noodle soup just won't do the trick)

view recipe

caramelized onion pie

sometimes you want to make something comforting and fuss-free, with just a little extra hint of luxury — enter the caramelized onion pie

view recipe

a colourful cauliflower citrus salad

the sort of salad that momentarily lets you forget that it's dark, cold and wet outside — close your eyes and taste the sunshine!

view recipe

white bean, chickpea & spelt stew

whole grains and tender beans brought together by the magic of time, fresh herbs & tinned tomatoes (be wary of fresh ones in winter!)

view recipe

how to enjoy winter
(a bit of northern wisdom)
☃️

Winter is hard. But it doesn't have to be! Take it from Norwegians (i.e. the people born on skis). I thought I knew a lot about tough winters, coming from Canada and all, but I feel like there's something about winters here that are just a bit winterier than the ones back home. The winters I grew up with were colder and snowier than the ones I've experienced here. The ones here are darker. Damper. Just a bit more depressing, you know?

Nevertheless, people here and at home have been doing just fine for thousands of years, so I thought I'd share a few things I've learnt over the years about surviving (and thriving) through winter from my fellow northerners on both sides of the pond.

•••

1. GO OUTSIDE

Unless the weather forecast warns of life-threatening cold or stormy conditions, layer yourself up and get outdoors. The fresh air will do you some good, and it's almost never as it bad as it looks from the comfort of your window.

2. FIND A FOREST (OR A MOUNTAIN)

Beyond going outside every day for a little walk around the neighbourhood, you'll want to make sure you're going on a proper excursion during the weekends. The time spent surrounded by trees — be it on foot, on snowshoes or on skis — will do wonders for your spirit.

3. STAY SOCIAL

Especially if you're going out for an adventurous expedition, but also if you're simply going for a stroll around town, invite a friend along. Warmth comes from laughter and connection as much as it does from fireplaces, layers of wool, and mugfuls of hot beverages. Speaking of which...

4. CREATE WARMTH

Sure, it's chilly and dark out, but indoors it's whatever you make it. Light some candles, sprinkle blankets onto every seat, slip on a cosy sweater and a fuzzy pair of socks, and put a pot of cinnamon-spiced apple-cider on the stove. Make your home as warm and inviting as you can.

5. UPHOLD TRADITIONS

For most of us, winter is a time of tradition. The tradition of ice skating on the lake, of decorating the house with family heirlooms, of going for a swim in the freezing fjord, of gathering distant relatives around a table, of baking grandma's famous fruit cake. Make the most of traditions nearest and dearest to you by helping to maintain and uphold them, if not by starting new ones yourself. There's comfort to be had in tradition — so seek out the ones you love!

6. MAKE LIGHT

It's worth appreciating the darkness that winter brings, but that shouldn't prevent us from seeking out the uplifting atmosphere of twinkling lights. Make your home bright inside and out with some tastefully-placed string lights, and switch them on as soon as the sun has gone to lift up your spirits and those of anyone passing by. After all, without darkness, there is no light.

7. FIND THE UPSIDES

As much as some people love to hate winter, it's no way to live if you spend a quarter of your life experiencing it (actually, probably more like 40% for many of us). So figure out something you like about the season and actually enjoy it.

8. EXPLORE

It might be tempting to focus on the cosy indoor and tradition-upholding aspects of winter, but it's always good to go new places and try new things — even in the season of hibernation. So explore a new sport, a new craft, a new part of town, and reap the benefits. Don't let yourself stagnate or fall into a rut!

9. NOTICE

So, you're out keeping your mind and spirits fresh by exploring a little bit. Now's the time to take a moment to notice! Winter's dark nights and snow-covered landscapes make the perfect setting for experiencing gratitude, appreciating stillness and taking in one's surroundings. If you've been following my Instagram stories lately, you'll know that I've become quite the accidental forager simply by taking a moment to appreciate and notice my surroundings!

10. CELEBRATE

You've made it though yet another year! What's not to celebrate? Make the most of the winter holidays by gathering friends, and cherish the good times you've had by making more good times together. Celebrate the people you hold dear with thoughtful presents and heartfelt cards, and celebrate yourself by putting on some nice clothes, doing your hair in a special way, adorning yourself with your favourite scent and, simply, having fun!