Here in Minnesota, we know about hygge, a Norwegian word that describes a cozy and comfortable mood. We’re inspired by the Minnesota weather and this cheerful song about the feeling from Disney’s Frozen — to explore what hygge means. Here are some tips to create hygge in your own home:

1. Clear your schedule. As the song advises, hygge’s not scheduled.
2. Create mood lighting. Light a candle — or several! — and enjoy the warm glow. Twinkle lights or a fireplace will also do the trick.
3. Reduce stress with music. The Frozen original Broadway cast recording can help you “let it go.”
4. Set the scene with cozy pillows and fuzzy blankets. Stick with neutral, calming colors to celebrate the Norwegian spirit of hygge.
5. Hygge is about gratitude and appreciating your surroundings. If you need some inspiration, jot down three things you’re grateful for in a journal.
6. Open up a favorite book and drift away to a different world.
7. Mix up a batch of warm, tasty drinks. You can start with this recipe that was a hit with theater fans in the Jack Link’s Legend Lounge before recent performances of The Phantom of the Opera.

Masquerade

Servings: six 12-ounce glasses

32 ounces regular, no sugar added apple cider

32 ounces honey crisp apple cider

1 small orange, sliced

3 cinnamon sticks

4 whole cloves

1 star anise pod

3 cardamom pods

1.5 ounces rum (optional)

Additional cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

Whipped cream (optional)

Make spice sachet by pouring all spices onto piece of cheese cloth. Pull up the corners and add a twist tie or a knot above the spices.

In a nonreactive stock pot over low heat, add apple cider and spice sachet. Heat 30 to 45 minutes. Longer cook time makes for stronger spice flavor.

Remove the sachet and add rum. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and whipped cream. Serve hot.

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