Dutch treat: The Netherlands Bazaar 2013

Last Saturday, my mom and I went to check out the Netherlands bazaar at the Thornhill Community Centre. We didn’t quite know what to expect, but it was a bazaar so it didn’t take much to convince us to go.

We arrived about an hour after the bazaar opened. Parking was awful but we lucked out on a spot. When we went inside, we were surprised to see so many goodies!

There were booths selling flowers (no tulip blooms, only bulbs during this season), knick knacks and souvenirs from Holland (as one would expect). There were also many booths selling cheese, sausage, candies (mostly licorice), pastries and other yummy delights! Mother and I didn’t quite know where to start!

We ended up getting a few goodies to try—almond pastries, Dutch cookies, Boterkoek (Dutch Buttercake), a wedge of Gouda cheese, sausage and an assortment of wafers. Yum!

Then, we headed to the lunch section where they served the meals. We ordered a very hearty pea soup, warm and juicy sausage and some very delicious kroketten (Dutch croquettes). Made of veal mixed in roux, the croquettes were light and creamy inside. These were fried with a crunchy breading and were perfect to dip in some Dijon mustard.

We ate these in one of the many tables nearby while listening to some folk music played with an accordion.

The bazaar also featured an art gallery, book and record sale, and a White Elephant sale (like a garage sale or mini flea market). Then we also went upstairs (the bazaar was spread out over several sections and floors of the community centre) to look at the craft and play area for kids. Fun local games were set up along with some face painting and balloon twisting.

Back downstairs, while others lined up for herring and mackerel (served with onions or packed to take home) at the mini fish market, we lined up to get some freshly-made mini crepes (Dutch baby pancakes or poffertjes).

They were so airy and delightful with a light dusting of powdered sugar. They were so easy to eat with the mini-fork provided. Flag toothpick or none, this was a true Dutch treat!  

 

Apparently this bazaar, with proceeds going to charity, runs only every two years. Am glad we got to go to this one. We will make sure to go back in 2015!