NEW YEAR’S EVE 2022
As my life as a single retiree unfolds, I have developed a love of establishing my very own traditions. One of those traditions has become a yearly trip to the lovely home of a Dutch family that lives only a community away — Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada.
I met Klamer at the outdoor aquafit class many years ago and my ears were drawn towards his accent.
“Oh my gawd, there is a dutchie in my midst.” I said to myself and immediately introduced myself.
It is not often that I meet dutchies in my circles, and that point in my life cycle, was the most à propos time to get the opportunity to appreciate it. We engaged in lots of conversations, all linked to our homeland. We talked about how we ended up in Canada, how our family lives unfolded, what cultural traditions we kept, what Dutch things we still buy, make, eat and enjoy.
As New Year’s Eve approached that year, he invited me over to his house to enjoy a Dutch tradition called Oliebollen, with his wife, adult daughter, and other relatives. It was a heartwarming experience that reminded me of the years I enjoyed those purely Dutch evenings with my family.
We all watched Klamer who is a trained baker extraordinaire, prepare the batter, explain the process of making it right, demonstrate how to transfer the dough into the appropriately heated oil, wait for the balls to flip over on their own, and then transfer them to a stainless steel bowl, paired with a bowl of icing sugar, for presentation at the dining table. It felt so great to realise I was experiencing “Dutchness” outside of my family home for the first time in my life.
The occasion has continued every year since and this year was no exception. I arrived on time and there was Klamer outside on the back porch, standing in front of the small patio table upon which stood a new burner and a new pot of hot oil.
He proudly and carefully dropped five ice cream scoops of batter into the hot oil, watched and waited for the balls to turn over on their own, to brown on the other side. He would then scoop them into the awaiting bowl, and go through the whole process again several times, producing probably fifty oliebollen for the guests to enjoy (and take home).
At this point the readers are asking “what are oliebollen?” Basically they are a special recipe of yeast, milk, flour, eggs and raisins (optional). They are Dutch pastries similar to doughnuts. Some modern variations are served plain or with berry filling, and they are a popular treat on New Year’s — and, especially delicious when served warm.
This yearly occasion definitely puts the ‘happy’ in my Happy New Year! What are the chances of actually meeting a dutchie; pretty slim. Probably even more rare is to actually meet a dutchie with lifelong experience as a culinary specialist, with a warm, loving, proud and welcoming family that invites me into their home to share in the glory of indulging in a delicious feast — all the while engaging in meaningful and interesting conversation around topics of mutual interest.
It’s a blessing for sure and it’s a tradition that helps me remember my roots, my culture and my mindset. Dutchies are steadfast and proud; our cuisine is simple and low cost; our bakeries are popular and very busy. Our candies are salty and sweet; black, white and colourful. Our hearts are spirited and we are determined in our resolve to not let go.
Celebrating all of it at the end of the year, with the rising dough of oliebollen and the joy of like minded people in a beautiful home, truly makes for a wonderful celebration of one of our cultural traditions.