Dutch letter facts for kids
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| Course | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Netherlands |
| Serving temperature | Hot or cold |
| Main ingredients |
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The Dutch letter is a yummy pastry shaped like a letter! People also call it a banket letter, almond letter, or butter letter. In the Netherlands, it's known as banketstaaf or banketletter.
This tasty treat is made with a base of flour, eggs, and butter. Sometimes, puff pastry is used, which makes it extra flaky. Inside, it's filled with sweet almond paste. After baking, it's often dusted with sugar. The pastry usually has a light, airy, and flaky texture.
Originally, these pastries were shaped like the first letter of a family's last name. Today, in the United States, you'll most often see them shaped like the letter "S". Dutch letters are a special treat, especially in December. They are very popular on December 5th, during Sinterklaasavond in the Netherlands. They are also enjoyed at some festivals in the United States.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name "Dutch letter" is a shorter version of the Dutch word banketletter. People in the Netherlands might also call them banketstaven, boterletters, or letterbanket. All these names refer to the same delicious pastry!
A Sweet History
In the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, letterbanket is a traditional food eaten on Sinterklaasavond. This is a special celebration on December 5th. On this day, the pastries are often shaped like the first letter of family members' names. It's a fun way to celebrate together!
In the United States
Dutch letters came to the United States with Dutch immigrants. They first became popular in Pella, Iowa. This town was started in 1845 by Dutch people who moved there.
Iowa's Love for Dutch Letters
Dutch letters are a very common treat at the yearly Tulip Festival in Pella, Iowa. Local people often bake them to sell at markets, gas stations, and even churches. You can find them all year round in Dutch bakeries there.
Michigan's Sweet Tradition
In Holland, Michigan, Dutch letters are also a special part of celebrations. During the Holland Dutch Winterfest, people enjoy Dutch letters that sometimes even have chocolate! It's a sweet way to enjoy the winter season.
