Desserts
From traditional 'Haagse bluf' and 'hangop' to slightly more modern chocolate mousse and refreshing summer berry soup, my dessert section should have something you fancy.
Panna Cotta with Strawberries
Creamy panna cotta with a lemony zing makes a perfect pair with the season's most succulent (Dutch) strawberries. Panna cotta is essentially a dessert of cream, sugar and gelatin that is left to set, but what makes renowned Dutch chef Yolanda van der Jagt's version clever is that it doesn't use gelatin (the lemon juice softly sets the cream). This not only makes the dish vegetarian friendly, but easier on the cook.
Creamy panna cotta with a lemony zing makes a perfect pair with the season's most succulent (Dutch) strawberries. Panna cotta is essentially a dessert of cream, sugar and gelatin that is left to set, but what makes renowned Dutch chef Yolanda van der Jagt's version clever is that it doesn't use gelatin (the lemon juice softly sets the cream). This not only makes the dish vegetarian friendly, but easier on the cook.
Chocolate Custard (Chocoladevla)
Why bother make chocolate custard at home when there are so many pints of the brown goo littering Dutch supermarkets' dairy section? Simple. That stuff doesn’t touch this heavenly homemade version. And, made as it is with cheap store cupboard ingredients, it’s a credit crunch friendly dessert, too.
Why bother make chocolate custard at home when there are so many pints of the brown goo littering Dutch supermarkets' dairy section? Simple. That stuff doesn’t touch this heavenly homemade version. And, made as it is with cheap store cupboard ingredients, it’s a credit crunch friendly dessert, too.
Advocaat of the Devil
Advocaat is a creamy yellow liqueur made from a rich blend of egg yolks, sugar, brandy and a touch of vanilla. The Netherlands exports this drink to over 50 countries, but, shhhh, it’s really easy to make your own at home. Sip it slowly while you ponder whether this is really a drink or a dessert...
Advocaat is a creamy yellow liqueur made from a rich blend of egg yolks, sugar, brandy and a touch of vanilla. The Netherlands exports this drink to over 50 countries, but, shhhh, it’s really easy to make your own at home. Sip it slowly while you ponder whether this is really a drink or a dessert...
Apple Pie Muffins
My apple pie recipe seems to be the most popular one on this whole website, so I thought I'd shamelessly create some simple muffins inspired by the Dutch classic to dangle like a fragrant apple & sultana flavored carrot.
My apple pie recipe seems to be the most popular one on this whole website, so I thought I'd shamelessly create some simple muffins inspired by the Dutch classic to dangle like a fragrant apple & sultana flavored carrot.
Blackberry Bluff
Blackberry Bluff is as light & airy as a summer breeze. It is also a breeze to make as there is no cooking involved.
Blackberry Bluff is as light & airy as a summer breeze. It is also a breeze to make as there is no cooking involved.
Boerenmeisjes (Brandied Apricots)
'Boerenmeisjes' (literally 'farm girls') is a Dutch regional speciality from Groningen. They're essentially apricots preserved in brandy, with the subtle caramel taste of brown sugar and a hint of lemon adding extra flavor. I think the Dutch name is as pretty as the final product is tasty.
'Boerenmeisjes' (literally 'farm girls') is a Dutch regional speciality from Groningen. They're essentially apricots preserved in brandy, with the subtle caramel taste of brown sugar and a hint of lemon adding extra flavor. I think the Dutch name is as pretty as the final product is tasty.
Dark Chocolate Mousse
Over 1,320,000,000 pounds of cocoa beans pass through Amsterdam's port every year - a sixth of the world's cocoa production - making Amsterdam the world's largest cocoa port. So, it's only fitting that my dark chocolate mousse uses chocolate in one of its purest forms: with 85% cocoa. This is a good basic recipe that you can play around with.
Over 1,320,000,000 pounds of cocoa beans pass through Amsterdam's port every year - a sixth of the world's cocoa production - making Amsterdam the world's largest cocoa port. So, it's only fitting that my dark chocolate mousse uses chocolate in one of its purest forms: with 85% cocoa. This is a good basic recipe that you can play around with.
Ice Cream with Brandied Raisins
Once you start making homemade ice creams there really is no turning back. They taste so much better than the store-bought variety and there is that secret satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself. For a traditional Dutch flavor combination, try my ice cream with brandied raisins.
Once you start making homemade ice creams there really is no turning back. They taste so much better than the store-bought variety and there is that secret satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself. For a traditional Dutch flavor combination, try my ice cream with brandied raisins.
Meringue Mess
This dessert combines blueberries, blackberries, ginger flavored whipped cream and meringues.
This dessert combines blueberries, blackberries, ginger flavored whipped cream and meringues.
Old-Fashioned Oliebollen
Traditional 'oliebollen' have often been called the precursor of the donut, that favorite anytime-anywhere snack of the American masses, and it seems very probable that early Dutch settlers took this tradition over to the New World. In Holland, however, they are pretty much a seasonal treat: specifically to celebrate the New Year.
Traditional 'oliebollen' have often been called the precursor of the donut, that favorite anytime-anywhere snack of the American masses, and it seems very probable that early Dutch settlers took this tradition over to the New World. In Holland, however, they are pretty much a seasonal treat: specifically to celebrate the New Year.
Poffertjes (Pancake Puffs) with Strawberries & Cream
Pancake Puffs (known as 'Poffertjes' in Dutch) are basically baby, baby pancakes, and are loved by children of all ages.
Pancake Puffs (known as 'Poffertjes' in Dutch) are basically baby, baby pancakes, and are loved by children of all ages.
Poached Pears in Red Wine
Fragrant pears poached in red wine make for a healthy dessert or a rather different side dish. This is perfect for people who are not too fond of sugary-sweet desserts. Or for someone who wants to add something new and wonderful to their dinner repertoire, instead of the usual peas and carrots.
Fragrant pears poached in red wine make for a healthy dessert or a rather different side dish. This is perfect for people who are not too fond of sugary-sweet desserts. Or for someone who wants to add something new and wonderful to their dinner repertoire, instead of the usual peas and carrots.
Raspberry Hangop
Dutch strained yoghurt, or hangop, is very easy to make and incredibly versatile. I love it as a summer dessert, with fresh fruits like raspberries and red currants.
Dutch strained yoghurt, or hangop, is very easy to make and incredibly versatile. I love it as a summer dessert, with fresh fruits like raspberries and red currants.
Sin of Mine Ice Cream
What I love about homemade ice cream is that I know exactly what goes into it. No freaky additives, colorants or preservatives here. And, my ice cream's sweetness is decided by my own tastebuds, not by some scientist in a factory lab. This cinnamon ice cream is a good basic recipe to get you on your way -- it's a go-with-anything standby.
What I love about homemade ice cream is that I know exactly what goes into it. No freaky additives, colorants or preservatives here. And, my ice cream's sweetness is decided by my own tastebuds, not by some scientist in a factory lab. This cinnamon ice cream is a good basic recipe to get you on your way -- it's a go-with-anything standby.
Star Anise Custard with Forest Fruits (Vla met Steranijs en Bosvruchte
The Dutch are nuts about 'vla', a cold custard that is sold here in cartons (like milk) in a variety of flavors, such as vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and caramel. This homemade version is infused with star anise and served with a variety of my favorite berries.
The Dutch are nuts about 'vla', a cold custard that is sold here in cartons (like milk) in a variety of flavors, such as vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and caramel. This homemade version is infused with star anise and served with a variety of my favorite berries.
Summer Berry Soup
This refreshing slushy of a soup, featuring summer berries such as strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants, sour cherries and rosé wine, is just what you want when temperatures soar -- the ideal summer soup.
This refreshing slushy of a soup, featuring summer berries such as strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants, sour cherries and rosé wine, is just what you want when temperatures soar -- the ideal summer soup.
Traditional Dutch Appelflappen
These fritters are like a cross between apple pie and donuts: the outside golden brown and crispy, and the apple on the inside just cooked, while still retaining some bite. They are traditionally served at New Year's Eve celebrations in the Netherlands, just before all those New Year's diet resolutions kick in. So tuck in while you have a chance.
These fritters are like a cross between apple pie and donuts: the outside golden brown and crispy, and the apple on the inside just cooked, while still retaining some bite. They are traditionally served at New Year's Eve celebrations in the Netherlands, just before all those New Year's diet resolutions kick in. So tuck in while you have a chance.
Wentelteefjes
The French name for this treat is 'pain perdu', Americans know it as 'French toast' and the Dutch call this traditional breakfast dish by the rather intriguing name 'wentelteefjes' (literally: turnover-bitches). Whatever you want to call them, this recipe will whip you up a quick, easy and delicious batch of this custardy cinnamon-flavored toast.
The French name for this treat is 'pain perdu', Americans know it as 'French toast' and the Dutch call this traditional breakfast dish by the rather intriguing name 'wentelteefjes' (literally: turnover-bitches). Whatever you want to call them, this recipe will whip you up a quick, easy and delicious batch of this custardy cinnamon-flavored toast.