Speculoos: history and delicious ideas for tasting them
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A biscuit full of history and tradition
Speculoos is much more than just a crunchy biscuit: it is a true symbol of Belgian gastronomy. Present on tables for centuries, it goes perfectly with a coffee or can be enjoyed on its own for a moment of sweetness. But do you know its history and the many ways it can be enjoyed?
The origins of speculoos: an ancestral recipe
The history of speculoos dates back to the 17th century, when exotic spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg arrived in Europe through trade with the Orient. These precious spices were then used in biscuits prepared on the occasion of Saint Nicholas.
Speculoos owes its name to the Latin word speculum , meaning "mirror," referring to the carved wooden molds that were used to give the cookies detailed, traditional shapes. In the past, these cookies were often given to good children on December 6 , St. Nicholas Day.
Today, speculoos is eaten all year round and appreciated around the world for its unique flavor and inimitable crunch.
What makes speculoos so unique?
Unlike other biscuits, speculoos:
✅ Is rich in spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, white pepper).
✅ Is prepared without yeast or egg, which gives it its ultra-crunchy texture.
✅ It stands out for its golden brown color due to the use of brown sugar , which gives it a caramelized touch.
✅ Is traditionally cooked at low temperature to obtain a perfect crispiness.
The many ways to enjoy speculoos
Speculoos is a delight in itself, but it can also be used in a thousand ways to enhance your desserts and pastries.
🥄 With a coffee or hot chocolate
The most classic way to enjoy a speculoos is to accompany it with a hot drink. Its crunchiness contrasts perfectly with the bitterness of coffee or the sweetness of a hot chocolate.
🍰 As a base for a cheesecake
Speculoos is perfect for making a no-bake cake base. Simply crumble it and mix it with melted butter to obtain a tasty and fragrant crust.
🍦 As a topping on ice cream or yogurt
Crumble some speculoos biscuits and sprinkle them on vanilla ice cream or plain yogurt. The combination of crunch and softness is irresistible!
🍞 In speculoos spread
Did you know that you can turn your speculoos into a homemade spread? Mix biscuits with condensed milk and a little melted butter to obtain a creamy texture, ideal for your morning toast.
🥧 In an apple pie
Add speculoos crumbs to your apple pie for a spicy and gourmet touch. The combination with cooked fruit is divine.
Speculoos, an iconic biscuit to rediscover
Whether you enjoy it plain or incorporated into a recipe, speculoos is a staple of Belgian baking. Its unique taste and crispy texture make it an ideal ally for the little pleasures of everyday life.
And you, what is your favorite way to enjoy speculoos? 😍
Photo by Amandine MONARDO on Unsplash
