Today is my daughter's birthday. She became 11 years old. The birthday girl was already born into a tradition where her older brother and sister would receive a breakfast of "poffertjes" on their birthdays. However to ensure that this annual tradition is continued - she reminded me that she would like poffertjes for breakfast today. So what are they?
Poffertjes (the best pronounciation POH-fur-chus) are a dutch treat - they look like fluffy mini pancakes - but do not taste like them. They are served hot, with melted butter and powdered sugar; however they can be served with a topping of your liking. My international kids also like theirs with maple syrup or vanilla ice cream (but not at breakfast this morning) :)
The ingredients are similar to that of pancake but has yeast for the fluffiness. Like pancakes, poffertjes can be made with wheat flour but the best ones are made with buckwheat flour. They are made in a dimpled cast iron pan. However supermarket carry them them as well - complete with the butter and powdered sugar. If you are visiting Amsterdam - drop by the largest street market called Albert Cuyp to sample them there - I highly recommend this location. However the supermarket variety is also tasty.
Source:Smulweg
WARNING: Poffertjes are very addictive - hard to just have a few. They are that good.!!! I have only once had poffertjes which I threw away. It was a fair and they were a bit raw inside - terrible.
This is an annual tradition but as you might have figured out - we do it 3 times in a year. :)
Like everywhere else - the dutch have a nice variety of sugary treats for children. However, my family realize that this is indeed a treat for their birthdays - we try to keep it special.
As a result - we have an additional reason to look forward to these wonderful occasions - filled with lots of love with sugar and butter on top !!! Lekker!!!