You sure work up
an appetite fighting fascism, saving the world, and helping out the Dutch
Resistance. In the second time travel adventure, The
Last Timekeepers and the Dark Secret, my characters got to taste some
of basic Dutch food such as cheese, bread, and fish (herring) stew. Yum. It’s
too bad the time travelers didn’t get to check out some of the must-try Dutch treats
while they were in Amsterdam during 1942, but they had bigger fish to fry, and
a Timekeeper mission to complete. So, I thought I’d compile a list of some
Dutch goodies in case you ever get a chance to visit the Netherlands.
Broodje kroket: The
‘kroket’ is a deep-fried roll with meat ragout inside, covered in breadcrumbs.
The original Dutch ‘kroket’ is made from beef or veal, but there are many
different flavors like chicken satay, shrimps, goulash or even a vegetarian
‘kroket’. You can eat a ‘kroket’ as a snack, but most of the time they are
served on sliced white bread or hamburger buns with mustard on the side—even
fancy restaurants serve them. Caution: the ‘kroket’ can be
extremely hot inside.
Stroopwafel: This delicious
chewy cookie the stroopwafel—translated as a syrup waffle—was first made in the
town of Gouda in the Netherlands during the 18th century. In fact, until 1870
stroopwafels were made only in Gouda and there were about 100 bakeries selling
these treats in that city alone. This sweet waffle made from two thin layers of
batter with a sticky syrup filling in the middle. They can be purchased in
packages at nearly every grocery store and bakery in the Netherlands, as well
as freshly made at street stands at markets and festivals.
Stamppot: One
of the best-known Dutch dishes is stamppot, an old-style Dutch dish. It is made
of mashed potatoes mixed with one or more vegetables like kale, carrots, endive
or sauerkraut. Stamppot is
traditionally served during the winter and enjoyed best with rookworst (smoked sausage).
Broodje kroket: The
‘kroket’ is a deep-fried roll with meat ragout inside, covered in breadcrumbs.
The original Dutch ‘kroket’ is made from beef or veal, but there are many
different flavors like chicken satay, shrimps, goulash or even a vegetarian
‘kroket’. You can eat a ‘kroket’ as a snack, but most of the time they are
served on sliced white bread or hamburger buns with mustard on the side—even
fancy restaurants serve them. Caution: the ‘kroket’ can be
extremely hot inside.
Bitterballen: Translated
as bitter balls When you go for drinks or visit a birthday party it is most
likely that these little, round, often dangerously hot snacks are served.
They are battered in a crunchy breadcrumb coating and filled with a gooey
mixture of chopped beef, beef broth, flour, butter, herbs and spices. They are
typically served with mustard for dipping. The red-white-and-blue flag is also
nearly mandatory while serving them!
Stroopwafel: This delicious
chewy cookie the stroopwafel—translated as a syrup waffle—was first made in the
town of Gouda in the Netherlands during the 18th century. In fact, until 1870
stroopwafels were made only in Gouda and there were about 100 bakeries selling
these treats in that city alone. This sweet waffle made from two thin layers of
batter with a sticky syrup filling in the middle. They can be purchased in
packages at nearly every grocery store and bakery in the Netherlands, as well
as freshly made at street stands at markets and festivals.
And
this food choice somehow made me cringe…
Fries (Patatje Oorlog): While
fries are popular in nearly every corner of the world, in the Netherlands they
eat them with everything on
it. And with everything they mean Patatje Oorlog (Fries
like War). Fries with peanut butter, sauce, ketchup, mayo, onions and if you
wish, you can put curry on it too! Um…I think I’ll stick to gravy or ketchup.
These
treats are just a sampling of what the Dutch have to offer. So why not try
something a little different and go Dutch for the upcoming holiday season? Do
any of these foods whet your appetite? If so, which ones? What other ethnic
foods do you savor for the holidays? I would love to know, so please share in
the comments below. Happy Holidays and thank you for reading my blog!
The Last
Timekeepers Time Travel Adventure Series:
The Last
Timekeepers and the Noble Slave, Book #3
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The Last
Timekeepers and the Dark Secret, Book #2 Buy
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The Last
Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, Book #1 Buy Links:
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PUBLISHING
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Legend of
the Timekeepers, prequel Buy
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& NOBLE
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