Denmark often has topped the United Nations’ annual World Happiness Report, which rates countries by degree of contentedness.
Surely, one reason is Danish pastry (which are actually called Vienna Bread in Denmark).
Eating this tender treat is a joy, of course. But making Danish also can produce a deep sense of calm and satisfaction with its series of clear and deliberate steps.
You can’t be in a hurry, can’t watch the clock. Give yourself over to rolling and folding, to measuring and cutting, to filling and glazing. When you finally look over a cooling rack filled with jewel-toned fruits in golden pastries, you may be amazed at how content you feel.
For a recipe and step-by-step instructions, read Wednesday’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Style section.