Ah, November – that magical time when the holiday spirit fills the air, and the tantalizing scent of spices wafts through our homes. If you’re in the USA, you’ve probably already embraced Halloween and are now gearing up for Thanksgiving. But what if you’re a Dutch transplant missing out on the Sinterklaas tradition? No worries, we’re here to introduce you to the world of “Speculaaskruiden” and share some delightful ways to use it.
Pumpkin Spices or “Speculaaskruiden”?
Close your eyes and inhale that warm, spicy aroma. It’s a heady mix of nostalgia, cinnamon, and memories of “Speculaas” and tangerines. In the USA, we have our beloved pumpkin spice, which isn’t all that different from “Speculaaskruiden.” The only real distinction might be in the quantity of each spice in the blend. I have just the solution for you, if you can’t get your hands on “Speculaaskruiden.”
My parents usually send me little jars of “speculaaskruiden” each year, but with the rising cost of overseas shipping, it’s become quite the endeavor.
If you’re hunting for “Speculaaskruiden” or similar spices, you can check out the Dutch Expat Shop (they ship straight from the Netherlands) or the local Dutch Store for options like “Silvo Speculaas kruiden.” Or, why not take matters into your own hands and whip up a batch yourself?
“Speculaas kruiden” mix. How to make it.
Here is what you’ll need:
- 5 Tablespoons of cinnamon
- 1 Teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 Teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 Teaspoon of each: ground anise seed, white pepper, ground coriander seed, ground ginger, ground cardamom.
Step 1 and the only one: Mix the spices together and store them in an airtight container.
Recipes with “Speculaaskruiden”
Sinterklaas Tradition Treats: Gevulde Speculaas
Picture this: soft “Speculaas” paired with homemade almond paste – that’s “Gevulde Speculaas” for you! It’s a Sinterklaas tradition treat that’s an absolute must-try. Last year, I gifted a box of these to my colleagues, and they couldn’t get enough. Trust me; you’ll want to share the joy!
Kruidnoten: Sinterklaas Tradition in the Netherlands
Have you ever found yourself perpetually short on “kruidnoten”? Those delightful, bite-sized “speculaas” cookies are an integral part of “Strooigoed,” a mix of “kruidnoten” and other candies. I always end up making “kruidnoten” to fill the kids’ shoes because I can never have enough for our annual “Sinterklaas tradition”. If you’re feeling adventurous, here’s how to make them:
- 2 cups of self rising flour (or add 2 tsp baking powder to 2 cups of all purpose flour)
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- ¾ cup of butter
- pinch of salt
- 4 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp “speculaas kruiden”.
Instructions:
- Mix flour, sugar, “speculaas kruiden,” milk, and salt together in a stand mixer.
- Add the butter in pieces and knead until a sticky ball forms.
- Preheat the oven to 345°F (175°C).
- Make small balls (teaspoon size) and place them about 1 inch apart on a lined cookie sheet.
- Bake for 14-17 minutes, and if you can resist, let them cool down before indulging!
Speculaasjes: Dutch Sinterklaas Tradition
To craft those traditional windmill cookies, “speculaasjes,” you’ll need a mold, either wooden or silicone. I tried making round “speculaasjes” with a patterned rolling pin – it may not have been perfect, but the kids devoured them! Here’s a recipe you can experiment with.
Below you can see a video. If you’re using a mold, this is definitely a good one to watch. I wasn’t sure what to put in the mold before you put the dough in the mold, but it seems to be flour. It makes sense to get the cookie out of the mold.
Sinterklaas Smoothie
Who says the holidays can’t be healthy? Try a “SINTERKLAAS-Smoothie” to kickstart your day with festive cheer. Blend 1 cup of milk (or almond milk), 1 tablespoon of honey, 3 tablespoons of oats, 1 banana, and 1 teaspoon of “speculaaskruiden” in a blender. Voilà – a healthy and festive start to your day!
So there you have it – “Speculaaskruiden,” the spice that can transform your holiday season, whether you’re indulging in Sinterklaas traditions or just craving a warm and comforting flavor. Get creative in the kitchen and savor the season with these delightful recipes!
Hello everyone,
Welcome to my Crafty Dutch Girl blog! Grab a cup of “koffie” and browse through fun blog posts about our Dutch family expat life in the USA, Dutch history, Dutch recipes, Dutch things to do in the USA and all kinds of crafts and activities. Don’t forget to connect with me for new ideas! “Groetjes en tot ziens”.