24 November 2004
marzipan clarification
European phenomenon: MARZIPAN.
Yeah, I know, we've all heard of it before, especially those of us who may or may not have once had an addiction to Martha Stewart's magazine.
But it's disgusting. It is to candy what Velveeta is to cheese.
In other words, sugared almond paste that's been molded into Sinter Klaas' head is candy-like, but it's not *actually* candy.
To hollah back, Velveeta is cheese-like, but it's not *actually* cheese.
The Dutch are all really excited about all the little marzipan goodies in the stores this time of year.
Even the children eat it.
They actually hope Sinter Klaas puts it in their little shoes they leave by the fireplace every night.*
I tried to keep an open mind, but I wound up spitting my bite into a napkin.
*Sinter Klaas comes all the time here, from mid-November to December 5. It's a crapshoot: you leave water and carrots out every night and if you're lucky,** they're exchanged for chocolate letters (like "S" for "Sheila") or marzipan pigs or Sinter Klaas heads. All of this madness stops Dec 5, or so I've been promised. And none of this has anything to do with the Baby Jesus' birthday. Oh, no, that's what the Christmas trees (all erected Dec 6 on the dot) are for.
**If you're unlucky (i.e. have been naughty this year), you're kidnapped and taken to Spain to live with Sinter Klaas' slaves. (I know, I know. Right--)
betholindo at 13:29