Matglede: The Nordic Art of Finding Joy in the Kitchen (It’s Not Just About Food)

In our busy, modern lives, the kitchen often feels like a source of hurried stress. But what if you could transform your view and discover the joy found in the simple act of preparing meals?

What is Matglede?

Matglede, which translates to "Joy of Food," is more than just what ends up on your plate. This philosophy revolves around the entire cooking process, encompassing sensory experiences and the meaningful connections made along the way. In Nordic culture, Matglede aligns with two important ideas: Hygge and Friluftsliv.

• Hygge encourages creating a comforting atmosphere, whether it's with cozy lighting or a warm drink.

• Friluftsliv promotes outdoor experiences, fostering a connection with nature.

  
  

Combining these principles, Matglede reminds us that enjoying food is about more than just nourishment—it's about savoring life’s simple pleasures.

3 Ways to Practice Matglede with Kids

Incorporating Matglede into your cooking routine can be a fun journey, especially when involving children. Here are three practical ways to make this joyful experience more engaging:

1. Sensory Focus

Invite your kids to fully engage their senses in the kitchen.

• Let them feel the different textures of ingredients, such as the smoothness of an avocado versus the roughness of a potato.

• Encourage them to close their eyes and inhale the rich aromas of spices and herbs as you cook.

• Pay attention to the sounds of the cooking process, like the sizzling of onions or the bubbling of sauce.

  
  

This simple sensory engagement enhances memory and understanding, ensuring children appreciate food beyond just the taste.

Steaming warm spiced apple tea in a cozy ceramic mug, topped with a cinnamon stick, exudes inviting aromas that entice the senses.

2. Slow Steps

In our fast-paced world, slowing down can be a challenge. Embrace a more patient approach when cooking with kids.

• Break the cooking process into small, manageable steps. For instance, if baking bread, involve them in measuring, mixing, kneading, and shaping.

• Explain each step’s purpose. Kids love knowing why they are doing something, like kneading dough to make it rise better.

  
  

Taking time to enjoy each phase fosters patience and mindfulness, ultimately creating a more rewarding cooking experience.

3. Connection to Nature

Using seasonal and foraged ingredients can deepen your children's connection to food and the environment.

• Plan family outings to pick herbs, fruits, or even vegetables from local gardens or farms. According to a recent survey, 67% of children reported feeling more connected to their meals after participating in the harvesting process.

• Educate them about the importance of seasonal eating. For example, discuss how strawberries are a summer delight while pumpkins are best for autumn.

  
  

This practice builds respect for nature and enhances their appreciation for the food they prepare together.

Embracing Matglede in the Kitchen

To help you bring the principles of Matglede to life, explore our Slow Seasons Kitchen Play Guide — a gentle resource filled with sensory-focused activities that invite joy, connection, and patience.

By weaving these simple ideas into your daily cooking, you can turn ordinary mealtimes into moments of creativity, laughter, and togetherness.

Practicing Matglede reminds us that joy lies not in the finished meal, but in the shared journey — one slow, mindful moment at a time.

You can also explore the Winter Wellness Bundle to continue nurturing warmth and connection throughout the season.

Stay Connected

Loved these reflections?Join the Intentional Play Community to receive gentle learning inspiration, seasonal play ideas, and our Nature & Movement Sampler, a free resource to help your child grow grounded, confident, and joyful through play.