Duivekater is a sweet white bread that was traditionally enjoyed in the Zaanstreek area of the North Holland province at Sinterklaas (The Feast of St. Nicholas) and Kerst (Christmas). This festive bread was famously painted by Dutch master Jan Steen in at least two of his paintings; St. Nicholas Feast (1665) and Baker Oostwaert and his wife (1658).
This tibia-shaped bread has its roots in the ancient pagan religion of the area (find out more about the history of the duivekater). It can still be found at a few tourist shops and culinary museums in the Zaanstreek, but it's mostly a forgotten delicacy nowadays.However, if you'd like to add this beautiful bread to your holiday table, why not bake it yourself? Here's an easy-to-follow recipe for Duivekater bread.
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Photo © Kosmos
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