Oliebollen

On Friday evenings, we head over to the next town over from us for Elizabeth's ballet lessons.  I have noticed over the last few months, there is a market open there on Friday afternoons and evenings.

 They sell tons of fresh baked goods, fruits and vegetables and fish.

Fresh baked bread:)

They are starting to set up Christmas decorations around the various town centers, and with the temperatures dropping it is really starting to feel like the holiday season is fast approaching!:)

The Dutch street organ is always fun to listen to.  I have seen them around in different places. Many times, they are playing in De Vismarkt.  Today there was one playing close to where Elizabeth has her ballet lessons.:)

Dutch Street organ

To read a bit more about these eclectic organs, you can click here.  They are so fun to listen to.  Sometimes they play old time music, but on Friday night, it was playing "(They Long to Be) Close to you" by The Carpenters.:)

After Jeremy and I dropped Elizabeth off for her ballet lesson, we went back outside to wander around the market.  Jeremy LOVES the smell of fresh baked bread.:)  He says it is his most favorite smell in the world!:)  We wandered through the market and came upon a food truck which sells Oliebollen.:)

Oliebollen truck at the market.:)

A friend of mine told me about this amazing Dutch treat.:)  It is a type of pastry which is made during the winter months.  The first Oliebollen trucks are starting to turn up around town.:)  I knew we had to try it!:)  Traditionally, Oliebollen are eaten on New Year's here in Holland.  For a description and a recipe to try to make your own Oliebollen, click here.  They actually remind me alot of beignets which I used to love when we lived in New Orleans.:)  Although, the Dutch do not put nearly as much powdered sugar on them as Cafe du Monde.:)

Both Jeremy and I have a substantial sweet tooth and the smell of the Oliebollen being fried smelled so delicious!  Let's just say that I think we have a new Dutch tradition on Friday nights!! 

Jeremy gives it a thumbs up...which is in stark contrast to his reaction with trying Bitterballen.:)  Guy and I love bitterballen...but the kids weren't really fans.:)

And, just in case you are wondering, yes, we did get Elizabeth and Guy some Oliebollen, also!:)  Or as Elizabeth now calls it "Olie Bolie!":)

Until next time!

Doei!:)