Dutch letter
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The Dutch letter (also referred to as banket letter,[1] almond letter, butter letter,[2] and in Dutch as banketstaven and letterbanket) is a type of pastry or cookie that is typically prepared using a mixture of flour, eggs and butter or puff pastry as its base and filled with almond paste, dusted with sugar and shaped in an "S" or other letter shape.[1][3][4][5] Marzipan, an almond paste prepared with almond meal and honey or sugar, is sometimes used as the filling.[6] The Dutch letter has a porous or airy and flaky texture.[7]
The pastry was originally shaped "into the initial of the family's surname."[4] Nowadays, the most common shape of the food in the United States is as the letter "S".[4][5] Dutch letters are served as a treat during December, and particularly on Sinterklaasavond on December 5 in the Netherlands,[8] and during some festivals in the United States.
Contents
Etymology
The pastry's name is a shortened version of the Dutch word banketletter.[2] They may also be called banketstaven and letterbanket by Dutch people.[5][9]
History
Netherlands
In the Netherlands letterbanket are traditionally eaten on Sinterklaasavond on December 5, where they are shaped in the initials of family members.[10][11]
United States
Iowa
Dutch letters were introduced in the United States by Dutch immigrants,[2] and originated in Pella, Iowa, which was founded in 1845 by "Dutch religious refugees."[3] Dutch letters are a common treat at the annual Tulip Festival in Pella, Iowa, and may be prepared by local residents and sold at various local churches.[4]
Michigan
Dutch letters prepared with chocolate are traditionally eaten as part of the activities during the Holland Dutch Winterfest in Holland, Michigan.[12]
See also
References
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