DUTCH PASTRIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS FROM VAN'S BAKERY

On the right is Dutch Raisin Almond Bread.  There is also a Currant Almond Bread.  In the center of the raisin/currant bread is an almond paste filling.  So delicious.

Center is Bonket.  I think of Bonket as the national pastry of the Netherlands.  It is puff pastry wrapped around an almond paste filling.  We love our almond paste.

To the left are Speculaas Koekjes, or as they are called in West Michigan, Windmill cookies.  These cookies are traditionally made in wooden molds, but they can also be done with a cookie cutter.  I hope to have the recipe on line before Christmas.

These Windmill cookies are made by the Methodist Church in Holland, Mi for their bazaar.  They cut out the dough with a cookie cutter and then outline the windmill with white chocolate. 

Eventually I will have recipes to enable you to make all the Dutch pastries at home.  However, I can't move fast enough or have time enough to get all the wonderful recipes done before Christmas.  Therefore I will bring you pictures of different treats from the bakeries around West Michigan.

Van's Bakery was always a favorite place to take our Grandson Tanner before he was in school after a visit to my Aunt who was his great-great aunt.  It is located on Fulton Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The windows and walls are filled with their cookie jar collection plus antique cars and trucks.  Tanner never wanted to leave after we arrived there. 

Van's is a coffee shop as well as a bakery.  They make all kinds of Dutch pastries as well as other European pastries.  I first found them after attending an International Adoption Picnic for which they had made the Eastern European treats on sale.

Van's Pastry is located in one of the Fulton St. business areas.

Cookie jars are everywhere.

I like the tea pot.

Cookie jars and more cookie jars.  If you live near Grand Rapids be sure to visit Van's for the wonderful pastries and the fun surroundings.