5 December over here in Holland is a big celebration, the ceramic atelier will be closed. Weeks before 5 December people will be shopping for presents. Basically from what I understand, long time ago there was a Saint called Saint Nicolaas ( now affectionately known as Sinterklaas) who will come to Holland from Spain on his birthday to give kids presents. He has assistants called the Zwarte Piet ( Black Piet). There are many Zwarte Piets. They carry a sack each. And in each sack are "Pepernoten" cookies and presents. Zwarte Piets are dark because they used to be pirates in the sea who got tired of being pirates and wanted to do good, so they decided to help Sinterklaas.
I suppose there are better information out there like http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinterklaas
Spice here is basically anise, cinnamon and clove.
Videos on how to bake pepernoten in DUTCH/English :
These Dutch treat looks yummy! Love the story behind this Pepernoten. Awesome! It's always great to know more about the traditional treats all over Europe. Looking forward for your next festive bakes. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, it is festive eating time again
ReplyDeleteGreeting from Australia!
ReplyDeleteNice to know all these information on Pepernoten and 5 Dec in Holland. I can imagine these spicy treats will be wonderful for the coming Christmas preparation.
I would love to learn from you and your European cooking in the future. I'm now your latest follower :D
Zoe
Oh thank you, Zoe! It is so nice of you to drop by here and I read you know Joyce and Lena too. Aren't they wonderful? Looks like I have a lot to learn from you. I love recipes from your blog as my big chef is actually my sous chef, my 10 year old daughter. I am definitely following you!
DeleteInteresting to know about Sinterklaas! Pepernoten is very new to me, it sounds like gingerbread cookies will all the lovely spice! And in the story front, it is nice to read that the pirates did good in the end!
ReplyDeleteYou've met Zoe, that's nice! Yup, we are all baking buddies, together with Kit! You are welcome to join our Bake-Along, anytime when the baking bug strikes! Have a great week! :)
Hi Joyce! Thanks for inviting me. I still do not understand how the Bake- Along works will ask my sis in detail. I have to look for the baking bug too :)
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