Winter wonderland

Winter wonderland

BY BIANCA PELLET

Go nuts

Kruidnoten and pepernoten are frequently confused, so let’s clear things up. What is often referred to as pepernoten are in fact, kruidnoten–tiny gingery (slightly peppery) hard cookies that the Pieten (Sinterklaas’ helpers) lob at children when Sint comes to visit. Pepernoten on the other hand are large, chewy, cubelike concoctions with a liquorice-like taste, thanks to the aniseed they contain. Kruidnoten are sometimes covered in chocolate whereas pepernoten – arguably the more traditional form of the sweet – never are. Both are addictive, though! Another tasty treat from the Sinterklaas season is the chocolate (chocolade) letter. Distributed on the eve of Sinterklaas arriving (Sinterklaasavond or Pakjesavond), these individual initials (in various flavours) are a must-have. Did you get one?

Temperatures have dropped and evenings are drawing in. This can only mean one thing: the festive season has arrived. This time of year brings an array of Dutch delicacies to the fore. Let’s check out what tasty treats you can enjoy over the holidays.

Having a ball

You will notice oliebollen (literally ‘oil balls’) popping up and starting to disappear around New Year. Oliebollen stands tend to have traditional metal signs in handwritten fairy-tale style, and they sell oliebollen (something akin to a doughnut) in a variety of flavours from plain to banana and caramel to rum’n’raisin though the most traditional version is with krenten

(currants) and is perhaps the safest option for oliebollen virgins. As oliebollen are often sold cold, vendors will ask if you want a separate package of powdered sugar and will offer instructions to reheat the oliebollen at home – proving to be very popular in many households across the Netherlands.

From A to Z

In the 19th century, Sinterklaas letters were made from dough and were laid on a sheet covering gifts to let children know which were theirs. In the 20th century, Dutch manufacturers started making the letters out of chocolate. Dough letters are still consumed in the Dutch settlement of Pella, Iowa (USA) today.

Almond amore

Another favourite of pastry-lovers is the banketstaaf (part tasty treat, part useful weapon) which are essentially rolls of puff pastry – at least nine inches long – stuffed with marzipan. It could be that banketstaven were originally shaped into letters to identify the Sinterklaas gifts of old. But today in the Netherlands, banketstaven are more likely to be sliced up and served with (spiced) tea.

Cosy cheers

If spiced tea isn’t your thing, how about spiced wine? No festive season is complete without the longstanding tradition of Glühwein (spiced/mulled wine). Usually made with red wine infused with cinnamon, cloves, and dried fruit, the fragrant Glühwein is served warm. There are many variations across Europe but the version from German-speaking countries is most well-known in the Netherlands. You will find Glühwein at festive markets and in cafés over the holiday period, and into the new year. Did you know... Most people in the Netherlands eat an average of eight olie-bollen per year.

Tasty tidings

Internationals who have become part of a Dutch family network will be aware of the savoury delight that is gourmetten. It is much like fondue, and although gourmetten is wider ranging, the principle of cooking together at the table remains the same although there are also a few other similarities. Think tiny pans – not just for meat and raclette, but also for random sauces and side dishes, like mushrooms, peppers, and pineapple. Chuck in lots of wine and baguettes and there is clearly something for everyone which is why this is a firm festive favourite in Dutch homes. Although there is a fair amount of preparation required – and it takes a while to get the smell out of your clothes – the conviviality of cooking together at the table (and avoiding the stress of one person being stuck in the kitchen doing everything) is clearly appealing.

Pud life

For those of us in the Netherlands who might be longing for an equivalent to Christmas pudding, the kerststol – a sort of Dutch Christmas bread – comes close. If you are a fan of panettone, you will likely enjoy kerststol too. Kerststol is packed with mixed fruits, vanilla, spices (mainly cinnamon and ginger) and orange and lemon zests for that festive feel. Like the banketstaaf, a roll of marzipan is also eased through the kerststol before the entire thing is baked and dusted with icing sugar. Many eat a slice of kerststol with butter, but it is just as lovely on its own – though again, a cup of spiced Christmas tea wouldn’t go amiss.

Happy holidays

While Dutch cuisine is perhaps not world-famous, it has plenty of Yuletide treats that are worthy of celebration. Whether you have a sweet tooth that needs satisfying or just fancy a communal cook-off, the Dutch festive season has it covered. « Proost en eet smakelijk!

About the author

Bianca Pellet is a writer and English teacher from the UK. She has lived in France and the Netherlands since moving away from Britain in 2008.

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