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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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.
What is Mixed Spice? Unlike allspice, mixed spice is a blend of several spices. These include cinnamon, coriander, caraway, nutmeg, ground ginger and cloves. The majority of the mix should be made from the cinnamon and coriander, and the remaining 10% made from the other spices.
A blend of fragrant and aromatic spices, including Coriander, Cinnamon, Ginger, Fennel, Nutmeg, and Cloves. Our mixed spices provide warmth and sweetness for Far Eastern dishes as well as fruit cakes and other bakes.
Allspice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger are the usual blend of spices, but I sometimes like to add a few ground cardamom seeds as well as some ground coriander seeds.
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.
Speculoos – also called biscoff – is similar to gingerbread and 'pumpkin spice' flavour. It also goes well with caramel to make sweet recipes that need a hit of warming spices.
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 seven essential spices—turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, mustard seeds, cinnamon, and cloves—will bring any dish to life with unforgettable flavor. Their variety of tastes and health benefits make them staples in any kitchen and cuisine.
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.
Mixed spice, also called pudding spice, is a British blend of sweet spices, similar to the pumpkin pie spice used in the United States. Cinnamon is the dominant flavour, with nutmeg and allspice.
Pepper, dill, coriander, garlic, mustard, red pepper and salt come together in Watkins take on steak seasoning. This blend is a great blend of savory flavors—plus the salt and pepper built-in mean this is a one-step seasoning. You can also use this spice blend to season burgers or even prime rib.
Often mistaken for a blend of spices, allspice is a single-ingredient seasoning with loads of unique flavor. Its name is derived from the flavor profile — a mixture of nutmeg, black pepper, cinnamon and clove.
Most traditional recipes in Dutch cuisine call for spices (kruiden) that the Dutch East India Company (VOC) began trading during the Golden Age. These include cloves (kruidnagel), cinnamon (kaneel), and nutmeg (nootmuskaat).
The Dutch monopolized the nutmeg trade and kept it centered in the Moluccas. They went through great lengths to preserve their monopoly. During the Spice Wars of the 17th and 18th century the Dutch uprooted groves of nutmeg and cloves trees to keep prices high and cut their competitors out of the market.
Today, the love for spices remains deeply ingrained in Dutch cuisine. Traditional dishes like “hutspot” (a hearty stew made with carrots, onions, and potatoes) often incorporate flavorful spices such as cloves or nutmeg.
Stamppot. Stamppot is a quintessential Dutch dish that embodies the simplicity and heartiness of the Netherlands' culinary traditions. It consists of mashed potatoes mixed with one or more vegetables, such as kale, sauerkraut, or endive, often served with a side of smoked sausage or meatballs.
Introduction: My name is Stevie Stamm, I am a colorful, sparkling, splendid, vast, open, hilarious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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