Danish Happy Food

Morley Safer recently reported that once again the Danes have been rated as "The Happiest People on Earth" ("Why the Danes Are Considered the Happiest People on Earth," 60 Minutes, June 15, 2008).

People have a lot of theories as to why Denmark so consistently ranks at the top of the happiness quotient. Maybe it's the culture: Danes have elevated the concept of hygge, or "easy conviviality," to an art form. Perhaps the pace of life is slower; maybe the beer is better. Certainly it can't hurt that it's easy to nix the car keys and ride one's bicycle to work in Copenhagen.

Personally, though, I think it's the hindbaer snitter: glazed raspberry bars that are a popular item in Denmark's wonderful bakeries. Our kids have loved them ever since they discovered that the rectangular cookie looks exactly like a gigantic toaster pastry before it is sliced into bars. And then there's the flavor and texture of sweet raspberry jam sandwiched between two tender shortbread layers.

'Nuff said!

Hindbaer snitter image ©2008 Kari Diehl, licensed to About.com.