Homemade Banket

Pastries stuffed with almond paste are a Dutch tradition, and no December holiday would be complete without Banketstaven, commonly referred to as just Banket.  In Western Michigan, in and around Grand Rapids, one can usually find this treat year round at pastry counters.  In the Netherlands, during the celebration of Sinterklaas, you are likely to find banket formed into the shape of letters, a special treat left by Sinterklaas for the good children in the household.

The pastry rolls can be sprinkled with granulated sugar before baking if desired, or decorated with powdered sugar icing after baking.  They will also freeze well for a short period of time, so you can make them ahead of time, and just thaw them out as needed during the holiday season. So, you may want to double the recipe, and share the rolls with friends and relatives.  Enjoy!

Source: Private collection