This traditional Dutch Spice Mix Recipe(aka speculaaskruiden or speculaas spices) is so easy to make using ingredients that you probably already have in your store cupboard (if you bake regularly). And with a batch of this on hand, you are set to go with a staple spice mix that is used in many popular Dutch sweet baking recipes.
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A few years ago I shared a recipe for Dutch Pepernoten(mini Dutch spiced cookies) and I promised the recipe for the spice mix would follow.
It is only when I went to make a new spice mix-up ready for all the popular Dutch baking recipes that feature during this time of year (pepernoten, speculaas, etc) that I realised I had not shared it with you guys.
Where To Buy Dutch Speculaas Spices
Here in the Netherlands, you can easily buy this blend of spices in the Supermarkets but elsewhere you need to either purchase it at a specialist shop or buy it online.
This is an easy recipe to make a blend of spices that is frequently used in many traditional Dutch baking recipes such as Speculaas, Pepernoten, Kruidnoten to name but a few.
Prepare airtight spice jars by cleaning them and adding labels.
In a large bowl simply measure out all the spices and mix.
Divide the spice mix between the spice jars and seal.
Notes
The amounts shown in this recipe make enough spice mix to fill 3 small spice pots.
There are many versions of this recipe here in the Netherlands and many bakeries have there own secret recipies.
This basic recipe can also be adapted to suit your own personal taste.
For example, if you are not so keen on cardamom then just leave it out or you really love ginger then you can simply increase the amount you put in.
*Optional*
Another optional ingredient that you often see is white pepper. I didn’t use this in my mix but if you want to spice it up a bit then you can add half a tablespoon to give it a bit of bite.
Nutrition
Calories: 100kcal
What To Bake With Your Dutch Spice Mix
Now that you have the basic recipe for this why not try making my traditional Dutch Pepernoten Recipe (Mini Spice Cookies)?This recipe is so easy and a lot of fun to make with the kids as their little fingers are perfect for rolling all the little round dough balls.
The kids here in the Netherlands go mad for them and eat them by the bucket load.
This is usually leading up to Sinterklaas (the Dutch Father Christmas) arriving in the country on his steamboat from Spain (this year it falls on the 16th of November) to when he brings them gifts on pakjesavond (present evening) which is on the 5th of December.
Once Sinterklaas has arrived in the land the kids are allowed to put their shoes out by the fireplace every Saturday night until pakjesavond.If they have been good the shoes will be filled with pepernoten and small gifts.
And Honestly, these are so yummy you will totally understand why the Dutch kids go crazy for them.
More Dutch Recipes …
In the Netherlands, another base ingredient that is used in many Dutch recipes is Amandelspjis (Almond Paste). This can be used to make many cookies, cakes, pastries, and dessert recipes. Here is a recipe to make a delicious homemade version
Another Dutch recipe that is great for kids and a total crowd-pleaser for parties and fetes is my Traditional Dutch Poffertjes Recipe. Not only are they easy to make but the topping combination ideas are endless.
And of course, if we are talking about recipes from the Netherlands then we can’t forget the classic Dutch Apple Piewhich is often served in cafes and during birthday celebrations, and the Gevulde Koek (Ductch almond Cookie) which is a real National favourite.
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Mixed spice is very similar to a Dutch spice mix called koekkruiden or speculaaskruiden, which are used for example to spice food associated with the Dutch Sinterklaas celebration at December 5.
Mixed spice is very similar to a Dutch spice mix called koekkruiden or speculaaskruiden, which are used for example to spice food associated with the Dutch Sinterklaas celebration at December 5.
Most of the speculaas I have tried had caramelic and molasses notes, a strong blend of spices, mainly cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, cardamom, and coriander seeds, as well as subtle citrus undertones. The spice blend was definitely more pronounced compared to Lotus Biscoff.
What spices are more commonly used in Netherlands? - Quora. The main “Dutch East India Company” spices are pepper, cloves, nutmeg and mace, and cinnamon. These were the mainstays of Netherlands cooking for a long time.
In the US pumpkin pie spice is a good alternative. If you want to make your own mixture then it may depend on what other spices are available to you but we would suggest starting, if possible, with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of ground coriander and 1 teaspoon each of ground nutmeg and ground ginger.
The Dutch East India Company was then in control of the spice monopoly. They were the only ones who could deliver nutmeg or cloves and also had control over the price.
Speculaas (Dutch: speculaas, French: spéculoos, [spekylos], German: Spekulatius) is a type of spiced shortcrust biscuit baked with speculaas spices originated from the County of Flanders territory in present-day Belgium, France and the Netherlands. Speculaas. Speculaas: ship, farmhouse, elephant, horse. Alternative ...
The main difference lies in their spice content. Speculaas biscuits contain a number of different spices while speculoos biscuits often include only one spice: the cheaper version of real cinnamon: cassia.
A traditional Dutch delicacy is Haring, or raw herring with onions. Other seafood such as shrimp, oysters, lobster, and eel are popular in cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Kibbeling, small chunks of battered white fish, has become a national Dutch dish.
You can save money by mixing your own DIY spice mixes from bulk spices. For commercial kitchens that use large quantities of spice blends, blending your own seasonings from whole or ground spices is an economical option.
A simple combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg produces a mix very similar to ground allspice. Learn how to make your own here. Combine cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves thoroughly in a small mixing bowl. Use as a 1:1 substitute for 1 tsp of allspice.
What Is Mixed Spice? Mixed spice is a spice blend commonly used in British and Irish baking, but mostly around Christmas. It is our equivalent to America's Pumpkin Pie Spice.
Because mixed spice is so frequently used in British holiday baked goods and puddings, it is sometimes referred to as "cake spice" or "pudding spice." It is also incorporated into cookies, pancakes, breads, and fruit salads.
Unlike Allspice, which is a single spice, Mixed Spice is a blend of several spices, including Cinnamon, Coriander Seed, Caraway, Nutmeg, Ginger and Cloves. Flavour profile: Allspice has a strong flavour and aroma, similar to a mixture of Nutmeg, Cloves and Cinnamon.
Etymology. The Dutch term spekkoek translates literally as pork belly (or bacon) cake, a name derived from its appearance of dark and light layers. Its Indonesian name, lapis legit, means sweet layer cake. The English translation is often given as thousand layer cake, or thousand layer spice cake.
Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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