Oly Bolen – Dutch New Year’s Donuts: A Taste of Tradition The crisp New Year’s air in the Netherlands always carried a distinct aroma, a warm, sweet cloud that promised joy and a touch of magic. For me, that scent was inextricably linked to my mother, her hands dusted with flour, a contented smile on … Read more
Oliebollen: The No-Yeast, Delightfully Dutch Doughnut There are certain scents that transport me instantly. The sharp tang of lemon zest blooming in a hot pan, the earthy aroma of roasting mushrooms, or, as the year draws to a close, the sweet, yeasty (or in this case, chemically leavened!) fragrance of oliebollen. My mother, bless her … Read more
Oliebollen: A Taste of Dutch Celebration The aroma of cinnamon and fried dough, a sweet, yeasty cloud that signals the arrival of winter holidays in the Netherlands. It’s a scent that instantly transports me back to bustling Christmas markets and cozy New Year’s Eve gatherings, where families huddle together, their faces illuminated by the glow … Read more