Dutch Letters are probably one of the top treats in my book. Just typing that makes me hungry for one. And it’s been a while since I’ve had one. So why are these pastries in the shape of an “S”. Why not a “N” for Netherlands? Well, here you go:
These pastries, called banketstaven or letterbanket in the Netherlands, feature almond paste inside a puff pastry made with flour, eggs and butter. These sugar-coated treats usually come shaped like the letter “S” for Sinterklaasavond, the Dutch name for the night of gift-giving from Saint Nicolas. In the Netherlands, the holiday is much like Christmas, but celebrated with gifts on Dec. 5 or 6. Dutch immigrants who landed in Pella in 1845 brought the tradition to Iowa.
Now that we have solved that, where is the best place to get a Dutch Letter? Sure you can take the easy route and just go to the local grocery store to get their brand, but the real fun involves driving to Pella, Iowa to get the good stuff. That means a trip to Jaarsma Bakery. Yes, this is where you will find the absolute best Dutch Letter in Central Iowa! I have to admit, one time at the Pella Tulip Festival there was such a long line at Jaarsma out the door that I went to Vander Ploeg Bakery just a couple stores down. Yes, their's was good, but it was not Jaarsma! Trust me, if you are a fan of Dutch Letters, or never tried one, head to Jaarsma Bakery in Pella for the treat of a lifetime!
 |
| Find him on X @brogan78 | on Instagram | on Facebook | or on Youtube |
 |
| Looking for a variation of the Dutch Letter? Try this awesome recipe at home! |