Dutch Lesson Learned: The Stroopwafel

Preparing my Dutch breakfast

Can't believe I've gone 3 months without talking about stroopwafels.  At first glance they look like a regular waffle but they are much thinner.  They are made from two thin layers of baked batter with a carmel syrup filling.  To read about the full history of the stroopwafel see wikipedia's entry on them here.

Sounds delicious doesn't it?  The good news, there is no shortage of stroopwafels in the Netherlands.  You can even buy prepackaged ones from the train station vending machines for €1.  The bad news, the first bites are delicious, but then there is this indescribable taste that holds your mouth hostage immediately, then sticks around on for hours more.  Best solution, wash that taste away with coffee.

Actually, placing a stroopwafel on top of your coffee is a preferred method for eating.  The carmel filling melts in the center then proceeds out to the outer rim.  After you let it sit for a bit you have a gooey carmel treat.

I tried it this way this morning and I'll admit the aftertaste wasn't as severe as eating them dry right out of the package.  Lesson Learned.

Let the stroopwafel sit for a bit to warm and melt, then enjoy.

Sexy Astronauts & NespressOH!

"OUT OF NESPRESSO! WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE'RE OUT OF NESPRESSO? HOW AM I GOING TO FUNCTION. OMG. OMG. OMG.  OK, RELAX, NO, DON'T RELAX, DO CHORES. DO LAUNDRY OR MAYBE I'LL JUST LICK THE BOTTOM OF MY MUG. 

AH! IT'S. ALL.GONE. THE HUMANITY AHHHHH!!!!  

This is a slight dramatization of the conversation that occurred last Saturday morning when Vicki and I used the last of the Nespresso capsules in the apartment.  Have you heard of these things?  It's similar to the Keurig and other one cup at a time coffee machines. It was actually featured on NBC's "The Office" awhile back. Our Nespresso came with the apartment along with what we thought was an unlimited supply of coffee capsules.  

It's truly a magical machine. I don't know how we functioned without one.  During "BN" or "Before Nespresso" days, Vicki and I started our mornings with instant Folgers, you know, "the best part of waking up, is Folgers in your cup" frozen crystals.  Goodbye instant, hello "Linizio Lungo" "Arpeggio," and "Indriya."  I'll be honest, I have no idea what I just typed.  I copied the names from the sides of the box we bought this weekend.  So how did we come across restocking our Nespresso stash?  Let me tell you. 

After a caffeine induced frantic search of the interwebs I stumbled across the location of several "Nespresso Boutiques" around the Netherlands.  One such Boutique was located at de Bijenkorf (aka the "Beehive") in Eindhoven. It's a high end department store, with brands we're used to seeing at our local TJMAX (or TKMAXX for my Irish readers.)  With the help of the Journey Planner on ns.nl I learned that we could be in Eindhoven in 38 minutes!  

"Okay, good story so far Dan, but didn't you mention something about 'Sexy Astronauts' in your title?" Yes, yes I did, I'm getting to that.  Once we arrived in Eindhoven we embarked on our quest for coffee.  Along the way we encountered some extraterrestrial sirens making men fall under a spell with their enchanting mist.  Okay, they were Dutch models, dressed space suits handing out free samples of AXE body spray.  As the saying goes, "If it's free, it's for me."  I stocked up.

Houston, we are approaching.

Houston, we have capture of the free stuff.

Houston, we have NO Problems.  

Sorry, but no sexy astronaut is going to keep me from my quest.  We finally arrived at the de Bijenkorf and went straight to the 2nd Floor, the home of the Nespresso Boutique.  

Heaven is a place on Earth.

I was strong. I held back the tears; upon seeing this place for the first time, I got a little choked up.  It was magical.  As you waited in line, yes there was a line about 12 deep, they came around with free samples. We got to try their "Linizio Lungo." Then when it was your turn, a lady dressed in black ushered you to her register ready to fulfill your coffee dreams.  

Look, I couldn't swipe my VISA fast enough.  See the blur in my right hand? That's my credit card.

From what we figure, we purchased enough Nespresso to last us for the next month.  I hope it's enough.  

Sorry to upset any readers who were searching for sexy male astronauts. I'm an equal opportunity blogger.  But here, I've got something for everyone.  Watch this interactive movie to see how you "have more points in common with George (Clooney) than you think."  He's the official spokesperson of Nespresso, at least in Europe as far as I can tell.