Butterscotch Sauce

3/4 c. brown sugar
1/3 c. light corn syrup
2 T. butter
1/4 t. salt
1/3 c. canned milk

Bring brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt to a boil. Let stand until lukewarm, then stir in the milk. Store in refrigerator.

St. Nick Cookies

1 t. baking soda
1/2 c. evaporated milk
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. white sugar
1 c. lard
1/2 c. butter
1 egg
4 c. flour
1/4 t. salt
4 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. cloves
1/4 t. nutmeg
slivered almonds

Place the baking soda in the evaporated milk. Mix all the ingredients together. Shape into logs. Wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate overnight. Slice thin and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Filling for Filled St. Nick Cookies:
1 c. almond paste
1 large egg
1 c. sugar
grated rind of orange or lemon

Mix all together well. Press half of cookie dough into cookie pan. Spred almond paste mixture over dough and cover with another layer of cookie dough. Bake at 350 degrees until lightly browned. Cut into squares.

Oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts)

Netherlands

1 1/2 c. sugar

6 c. flour
6 t. baking powder
2 t. salt
4 eggs
1/4 c. butter, melted
1 c. warm milk
1/4 c. wine
1/2 box currents
2 apples, chopped fine
juice of 2 oranges

Mix ingredients. If batter seems too thick, add a bit more wine. Drop by tablespoonfuls into deep fat fryer which is about 360 degrees. They should flip themselves when the first side is done, but if not then turn when golden. Remove when golden brown on both sides. Set on paper bags to drain fat. Roll in sugar. Taste best when warm.

Recipe notes: Oliebollen (translated literally as "grease balls") are a type of doughnut or fritter that Dutch families traditionally enjoy on New Years Eve. Usually this is the only time during the year that they are made. Every family has their own special recipes, passed down for generations. My sister-in-law, who moved to the USA from Belgium when she was eight insists that her family recipe is better, but I personally think ours has a better flavor. If you plan to make these, be sure to have some paper bags on hand to drain them on. They do live up to their name*.

(*These are also known as "Ole Koeken" or "oil cakes.")

The morning has gold in its mouth ~Dutch saying