Dutch Snacks....Do I Make Them?
Ah, the elusive search for our favorite deep fried snacks always comes to a frenzy this time of year. With King's Day just a short few weeks away, I have been asked by a few people if I make bitterballen or kroketen. The short answer is no. I have only made them once or twice with varied results and it's not a walk in the park to do either. With a little more practice, I'd love to offer these some day. The guys at our house are more frikendel fanatics and those I have made with success using this recipe. Given the choice of a homemade frikendel speciaal or kroket, it's a pretty easy choice over here.
Where Can I Buy My Favorite Dutch Snacks?
There are a few places in the PNW you can buy frozen bitterballen and kroketten for frying at home. Some stores will carry them year round, others only offer them in limited supply around King's Day. With only one distributer in the US, you will be buying the same commercial product at any store.
A Touch of Dutch (Coupeville, WA) - seasonal bitterballen
Hillcrest Bakery (Bothell, WA) - seasonal bitterballen
Food Pavilion (Lynden, WA) - kroketten, bitterballen, and frikendel
Voorn Croquettes (FL) - kroketten and bitterballen supplier for most stores. Does not ship to Washington State
Holland Shopping Centre (British Columbia) - kroketten, bitterballen, and frikendel. Does not ship to United States : They make their own!
So there are your options around here that I am aware of. Some bars in Seattle have them on their menus but I have not tried any of them so can't say how authentic they are or not. The Facebook restaurant had a Dutch menu one day for lunch last fall and their bitterballen were fried meatballs; not even close to 'the real thing' and I'm happy I didn't drop everything to drive into South Lake Union for a free lunch.
Other Ideas to Complete Your Snackbar Experience
If you are looking for other close enough substitutes for snacks, think about picking up some things from the frozen appetizer section at any grocery store. Mozzarella sticks, a bag of frozen steak fries, loempia, or a pack of chicken nuggets are all quick and easy. Those would complete my favorite snack bar spread! Have left over nasi from dinner? Mix it with an egg and shape into rounds and then dip in egg and breadcrumbs...nasischijf! You can also find jarred peanut satay sauce on most shelves in the international sections (think Thai or sometimes Indian sections). You can find Conimex packets at A Touch of Dutch, the Food Pavilion, and Holland Shopping Centre. I remember seeing other jars and mixes at Asian food stores such as Uwajimaya and Viet-Wah in the past as well. Or be adventurous and make your own. There are plenty of delicious recipes online or just wing it and add a little of this and that until you like it. Have you found a favorite Dutch snack you want to share? Leave it in the comments below!
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