Saturday, November 21, 2009

Sinterklaas kapoentje gooi wat in mijn schoentje or eat a yummie cookie GIVEAWAY!

Around half november 'Sinterklaas' arrives in our country on a big steamerboat with many 'Zwarte pieten'. They stay until the birthday of Sinterklaas on 5 december. It is a very special time and should not be confused with cristmas Santa.
We sing special songs while...

gooi wat in mijn schoentje

we put our shoe by the chimny and hope Sinterklaas will hear us, and put a present in our shoe when we sleep!

A long long time ago...

Or will visit us.. (like he visited me a long, long, long time ago)

It's a time in wich we drink a lot of hot chocolate and eat and make 'Speculaas koekjes' (gingerbread cookies?).

Speculaas koekjes

They are made in these special wooden cookie shapes,

koekplankjes

And with special spices,

speculaas kruiden, gingerbread spices

Now if you also want something in your shoe???
Just put your shoe by the chimny and leave me a comment.
I'll be your Sinterklaas!

I'll announce the two winners on november 26 so till than come and take your shoe...





at

83 comments:

  1. hettyNovember 21, 2009 at 5:24 PM

    Gosh! This brings back memories! I lived in Holland until I was 8 years old. I have wonderful memories of putting my shoe out for Sinterklaas. And also of my aunt dressing up as the saint and my sister hiding under the table because she didn't want to be put into a sack or something like that. While my kids were young we kept the tradition alive here in Canada. They still remind me sometimes of those fun mornings when they would wake up to a chocolate letter in their shoe! What fun! Thanks Heleen!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousNovember 21, 2009 at 5:33 PM

    Mag ik de schoen ook bij de CV zetten? Ik zal er een wortel in doen voor Amerigo: hopelijk komt de Sint dan binnenkort langs?

    ReplyDelete
  3. GinaNovember 21, 2009 at 5:35 PM

    How lovely to read about customs in different countries. Can I leave my shoe out please?

    ReplyDelete
  4. marthaNovember 21, 2009 at 5:53 PM

    The cookie molds are what I love the most...We lived in belgium as children and celebrated something similar. What fun!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. The French BearNovember 21, 2009 at 5:57 PM

    This is so interesting, I didn't know any of this! My husband (The Dutchman) told me they put their shoes out on Christmas Eve.......
    I need to find out more of this, I love the cookies, I wonder if we have them here in Alberta?
    Thank you for sharing!
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

    ReplyDelete
  6. SusanNovember 21, 2009 at 6:13 PM

    What a wonderful tradition to have, Heleen. I have always associated Sinterklaas with Santa Claus. I love the cookie molds and gingerbread and hot chocolate are some of my favorite treats. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. MarianneNovember 21, 2009 at 6:24 PM

    Schoen is gezet, bij de voordeur met wortel en een bakje water. En nu ga ik liedjes zingen, zodat de Sint mij ook kan horen.

    ReplyDelete
  8. JikkesNovember 21, 2009 at 6:31 PM

    Yeahhhh....mag ik toch nog mijn schoen zetten!

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousNovember 21, 2009 at 6:31 PM

    *Zet schoen*

    *Zingt*

    Ik geloof nog hartelijk in deze Sinterklaas!

    ReplyDelete
  10. FatbrideslimNovember 21, 2009 at 6:45 PM

    I love the Sinterklaas tradition :) If you want to try the Speculaas biscuits and are in the UK, Lotus caramalised biscuits are worth a try. :) My favourite thing is gevulde speculaas. Mmmm.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Jennifer Ann FoxNovember 21, 2009 at 6:45 PM

    Hi,
    I love your blog! My hubbie is Dutch and he talks about Sinterklaas. Your quilts are stunning on your blog site here. Did you make these? Ahhh, there gorgous!

    Jennifer Dalenberg
    North Georgia

    Feathers in the Nest
    http://www.feathersinthenest.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousNovember 21, 2009 at 7:53 PM

    My children have just put their shoes out tonight with carrots for Sinterklaas's horse. They even sang the song. It's lovely to share the dutch traditions whilst living here.

    ReplyDelete
  13. HeidiNovember 21, 2009 at 9:08 PM

    Hahaha, zo'n foto heb ik ook. Bijna hetzelfde. Ik zet mijn schoen bij je en doe er, voor zwarte piet, een flesje bier in. Nu maar hopen dattie niet van het dak valt....

    XO Heidi

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousNovember 21, 2009 at 9:22 PM

    Oh, mijn schoentje staat al klaar! Heb er net ook al met mijn allermooiste stemmetje een liedje bij gezongen!

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousNovember 21, 2009 at 9:23 PM

    Oeps... vergeet ik mijn naam. Anoniem heet dus Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
  16. atelierlemlemNovember 21, 2009 at 9:34 PM

    Nou de schoen is gepoetst en ik heb er een appeltje en peentje voor het paard ingedaan en ook nog een lekkere loly voor Sint (kan hij goed eten met zijn lange baard) en wat hollandse dropjes voor zwarte Piet!
    En ik heb ook nog een liedje gezongen "zwarte Piet ging uit fietsen.." (mijn lievelingssinterklaasliedje!!)
    Ik ben benieuwd...
    Groetjes van mama lieveheersbeestje.

    ReplyDelete
  17. KarinNovember 21, 2009 at 10:01 PM

    Mijn schoen is gezet hoor. Met een wortel, suikerklontje en een bakje water voor Amerigo. Natuurlijk heb ik er een tekening voor Sinterklaas bij gedaan. Ik heb heul heul heul hard gezongen....ik ben er schor van...
    Nu maar hopen dat Zwarte Piet, die uit fietsen gaat, nu eindelijk 's niet met een geknalde band langs de weg staat....

    ReplyDelete
  18. AnonymousNovember 21, 2009 at 10:12 PM

    Ooooohhhhh....
    allerlei herinneringen.. vooral de vormen die je hebt staan, mijn oma had exact dezelfde en helaas is ze er niet meer.
    Altijd als ik speculaas ruik moet ik aan haar denken...
    Bij haar thuis bij de kolenkit je schoen zetten met een wortel en twee suikerklontjes, een bakje water voor het paard en uiteraard uit volle borst een scala aan Sinterklaasliedjes...
    eigenlijk zetten we nu thuis die traditie voor.
    Ook Jochie staat bij zijn schoen te zingen!
    Fijne tijd en geniet van alle momenten in deze periode!
    Madeliefste

    ReplyDelete
  19. LevinNovember 21, 2009 at 10:34 PM

    we used to celebrate - and we all still eat lots and lots of speculaas. Nowadays, I spend the 5th of december putting up our christmas tree and getting ready for christmas - it keeps sinterklaas in my mind and brings christmas closer.
    enjoy the festive season.
    l
    x

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sarah - Red GinghamNovember 21, 2009 at 10:36 PM

    Heleen those biscuits are heavenly! I love the special cookie shapes you use to make the biscuits. What a lovely thing to have. Not sure about leaving my smelly shoe out though!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sandy ShirleyNovember 21, 2009 at 10:38 PM

    Hi Heleen - Thank you for sharing this wonderful Dutch holiday! I wish I could be there to experience it! Love your picture with Sinterklaas!

    ReplyDelete
  22. KaylovesvintageNovember 21, 2009 at 10:57 PM

    nice idea, I also have a giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  23. GerryARTNovember 21, 2009 at 11:15 PM

    As you know I am new to your blog andf have enjoyed reading your past posts.
    And now this, you bet I'd like something in my shoe.
    So here is my shoe - - - - -

    ReplyDelete
  24. Ineke PlatvoetNovember 21, 2009 at 11:19 PM

    Wat een super idee en in mijn schoen doe ik een biologische wortel van eigen moestuin en weet dan zeker dat het paard van Sinterklaas hier heel blij mee zal zijn!!!!
    Ineke

    ReplyDelete
  25. MetteNovember 21, 2009 at 11:28 PM

    Fun to hear about Sinterklaas. He has been here Friday. I got a parcel and it says "For Mette from Sinterklaas - open December 5th". As you can see, I have another Dutch friend - but I will still leave my shoes by the chimney. Have a nice weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Locket PocketNovember 21, 2009 at 11:40 PM

    What a fabulous tradition Heleen! And I really love those cookie moulds!

    Hope Sinterklaas is kind to you!

    Lucy xxx

    ReplyDelete
  27. Celestial CharmsNovember 22, 2009 at 12:17 AM

    My whole family just put our shoes out in anticipation....well, we can dream, can't we? :) Lovely photos.
    Maureen

    ReplyDelete
  28. Christy November 22, 2009 at 12:36 AM

    I love speculaas cookies! Thank you for the giveaway! I'm keeping fingers, toes and eyes crossed!

    ReplyDelete
  29. ~Lavender Dreamer~November 22, 2009 at 2:59 AM

    What fun! Please enter my shoe! heehee! Happy Holidays!

    ReplyDelete
  30. annemarieNovember 22, 2009 at 3:44 AM

    What a wondeful custom - wonder if he visits the US?

    ReplyDelete
  31. mamaayannaNovember 22, 2009 at 3:58 AM

    Oh oh oh. This is my week of homesick! (see my blog) and then I suddenly end up on this blog with lovely dutch delights and traditions... GEZELLIGHEID, the word that is SO hard to explain. THANKS/DANK for posting that. It looks lovely and yammie and so right for this time of the year.
    My shoe however is not in the Netherlands, it is in the USA.

    Lilian
    (mamaayanna)

    ReplyDelete
  32. UnknownNovember 22, 2009 at 4:44 AM

    Heleen! You have made my day by posting your beautiful cookie molds. My mother had many of these in my childhood. I thought they were so old fashioned at the time. What wonderful memories these bring back! Your finished angels and new bag are so beautiful! I hope your shoes are filled to over flowing this holiday season! Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  33. kristinNovember 22, 2009 at 6:55 AM

    oh!! this is so sweet! what a nice tradition. :) i just love those cookie molds! i've never seen them with several on one...will you share where they come from?

    ReplyDelete
  34. HeidiNovember 22, 2009 at 7:22 AM

    Hallo Heleen! Leuk om mijn schoon bij jouw te kunnen zetten. Ik ben benieuwd als De Sint mijn schoon zou vullen??? :-)

    Mijn giveaway is bij beide blogs dus ik hoop dat je langs komt. Ik geef elke week een paar setjes van die onderzetters weg. Nu moet je bij TheCranberryChronicle zijn.

    Hugs en groetjes ~
    Heidi

    ReplyDelete
  35. Quilt it and Dotty www.quilt-it.nlNovember 22, 2009 at 9:37 AM

    Hallo Heleen,

    Ik ga even een kansje wagen op iets lekkers in mij schoen. Zijn de lapjes goed aangekomen en heb je er al wat mee gemaakt?

    Dorry

    ReplyDelete
  36. SaraNovember 22, 2009 at 12:07 PM

    I love your blog very very much =)!! And those cocies as well...

    ReplyDelete
  37. Splashes of Pink and MintNovember 22, 2009 at 1:13 PM

    Ahhh.... weer een echte Sinterklaaspost, ben er (gelukkig!) al meerdere tegengekomen in blogland!!! Echt genieten, ben nou eenmaal gek op deze heerlijk oeroude nederlandse traditie ! En ik zet graag m'n schoentje, zal er even een liedje bij zingen: Sinterklaas kapoentje gooi wat in m'n schoentje gooi wat in m'n laarsje dank u Sinterklaasje!

    ReplyDelete
  38. grey rabbitNovember 22, 2009 at 2:20 PM

    What a lovely tradition ! We as children in northern England used to put out our shoes by the front door, so that when Old Father Time arrived to bring in the New Year he would leave us sweets and money ! I don't know if people still do this but I did it with my own little ones. I hope I will be lucky with your Dutch Sinterklaas !

    ReplyDelete
  39. corryNovember 22, 2009 at 2:54 PM

    Hoi Heleen, ik heb mijn laarzen gezet. Is dat ook goed? O, ja en ik heb al heeel hard gezongen.

    ReplyDelete
  40. MaxineNovember 22, 2009 at 3:37 PM

    Sinterklaas always manages to put in a special visit to us here in England! Fortunately, so do my 'in-laws' who also bring the pepernoten, speculaas and chocolate letters too!

    ReplyDelete
  41. RosaMaríaNovember 22, 2009 at 4:06 PM

    those cookies molds are beautiful!!!! and the cookies looks so yummie! Please enter my shoe and thanks for sharing!!! greetings from México!

    ReplyDelete
  42. sandraNovember 22, 2009 at 4:16 PM

    This is a new (to me) tradition! It sounds fun!

    ReplyDelete
  43. GillNovember 22, 2009 at 6:43 PM

    what a fascinating custom! can you post a recipe for the biscuits?
    several years ago some swedish friends sent some spicy/gingery biscuits - are these similar?

    ReplyDelete
  44. Christina LowryNovember 22, 2009 at 9:54 PM

    Wow, what a great tradition! And such lovely photos.

    It is my birthday today and I am getting new shoes for my birthday! I think I will leave them out! :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. UnknownNovember 22, 2009 at 10:21 PM

    How wonderful! I've left my shoe out!!!

    I hope sinterklaas brings you all wonderful gifts!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Deb Robertson WritesNovember 23, 2009 at 1:06 AM

    Those cookies look amazing! Yum. I'd love to make some xx

    ReplyDelete
  47. Lee DNovember 23, 2009 at 1:18 AM

    we too are getting ready for Sinterklaas's arrival to Canada. I get out my CD with all the Sint leidjes, put out our schoenen. My husband also gives all his colleagues a chocolate letter and kruidenoten. Lekker speculaas and pepernoten. yummy Each year Sinterklaas drops off a basket of lekker snoepjes off on our door step on Dec. 5th. Once at a Christmas market I saw Sint. When we were in Den Haag, he came to visit my daugher in the ziekenhuis and at Kleuter school. great memories and I try to keep them alive!! I also remember meeting him at the stadhuis in Den Bosch in 1981 is was wonderful watching him come in on his white horse.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Michele McLaughlinNovember 23, 2009 at 3:28 AM

    My mom always had us put our shoes out on December 5. In many ways, we loved what we called "St. Nick's Day" more than Christmas. It was such a wonderful treat :) I loved seeing your shoes with carrots in them--we didn't do that but it is a neat idea. It is still my favorite tradition of the holiday season. :) It was fun to learn about yours! Mickie in Pennsylvania Dutch country, USA

    ReplyDelete
  49. Rainy Day GardenerNovember 23, 2009 at 5:28 AM

    I have never seen those cookie molds! This 1st generation Dutch-American girl is leaving her shoe out!

    ReplyDelete
  50. CorinneNovember 23, 2009 at 9:00 AM

    Oooh leuk. Ik kom ook mijn schoentje zetten! We zingen hier al een heel weekend Sinterklaasliedjes en de pot met suikerklontjes en de wortels zijn ook ik huis. Nu alleen nog een bakje water.......

    Zie ginds komt de stoomboot........

    ReplyDelete
  51. MoniqueNovember 23, 2009 at 11:25 AM

    Sinterklaas Heleentje
    Mag ik er ook eentje
    Voor een speculaasje
    Dank U Sinterklaasje

    ReplyDelete
  52. JennyWren'sNovember 23, 2009 at 12:35 PM

    This brings back memories of my childhood.I went to a Catholic school and we all put out our shoes in the hallway on December 6th.We could hear the bells ringing as St. Nicholas came to visit us, we would just catch a glimpse of him going by our classroom door.We were then allowed to rush out into the hall to find an orange, a candy cane and a little plastic snow globe tucked into our shoes. Oh, to be little again!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Homemade by MargyNovember 23, 2009 at 1:43 PM

    hebben ook al een eerste ontmoeting met Sinterklaas achter de rug. Dus leuk zo´n giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  54. PomonaNovember 23, 2009 at 1:55 PM

    I'd certainly like to put my wellie boot by your chimney - what a lovely custom. The biscuits look lovely, too - I went on an exchange trip to Goes when I was about 13 and remember some rather nice biscuits being served in coffee shops with the coffees - I wonder if they are the same?

    Pomona x

    ReplyDelete
  55. DottyNovember 23, 2009 at 3:20 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  56. DottyNovember 23, 2009 at 3:23 PM

    What a beautiful tradition.
    Those cookies look so yummy i can smell them from here :)

    My shoes are by the chimney.
    x

    ReplyDelete
  57. SaskiaNovember 23, 2009 at 3:27 PM

    Zal ik dan ook maar mijn schoen zetten? Het blijft altijd iets magisch hebben!

    ReplyDelete
  58. María JuliaNovember 23, 2009 at 5:53 PM

    I'm from Argentina. But in our home we putting our shoes the night before christmas. We are 8, four brothers and four sisters, and we putting our shoes from my eldest brother to my younger sister in order. What a nice memory!

    ReplyDelete
  59. MirandaNovember 23, 2009 at 9:59 PM

    Ook hier in Virginia proberen we sinterklaas is ere te houden. Maar zonder orgineel sinterklaassnoep is het een stuk minder vinden de kids. Gelukkig kwam opa een maand gelee en bracht al wat lekkers mee. Zodat ook wij weer met wat Amerikanen 5 december zullen vieren. En geloof maar dat ze het allemaal erg bijzonder vinden en dol zijn op ons snoepgoed. Vooral de chocoladeletters ....want de chocolade zoals we in Europa kennen is hier amper te vinden!
    En ik vind jou blog geweldig overgens. Lekker herkenbaar en kleurrijk, vol met ideeen, waar ik keer op keer van geniet.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Elizabeth and Gary November 23, 2009 at 10:02 PM

    Oh yes, I will leave my shoes by the chimny. I love to read about special celebrations!.
    Enjoy your day and keep creating,
    Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  61. SaraNovember 24, 2009 at 2:19 AM

    I love hearing about your holiday traditions! Go glad you shared the story with us all.

    My shoes are be the fireplace!

    ReplyDelete
  62. dutchbabyNovember 24, 2009 at 2:51 AM

    O, kom er eens kijken! Ik heb m'n laarsje uitgezet. I kwam hier van je zuster's blog. Enige idee!

    ReplyDelete
  63. AnonymousNovember 24, 2009 at 9:18 AM

    I want to have something in my shoe :)))
    Greetings from Croatia
    Kristina

    ReplyDelete
  64. PascaleNovember 24, 2009 at 1:59 PM

    Oh please put my name in your draw. I found you from your sister's blog "Dutch Blue", and we love the speculoos you can find in Belgium and northern France. Are they the same recipe, I wonder..

    ReplyDelete
  65. dawnkristineNovember 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

    Thank you Heleen for the informative post. My 1/2 sisters (though I do not usually refer to them as that) are 1/2 Dutch. Their daddy was born in Holland and he does bring a few traditions to the American home, but not some of these. thank you, I will pass this post on to my sisters!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Paula L.November 24, 2009 at 3:43 PM

    I'm not familiar with this tradition (I live in Portugal) but I would love to leave my shoe too :)
    Thanks!
    ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  67. PaintedpaperNovember 24, 2009 at 3:49 PM

    Heleen, I love those cookie molds! I think there is an art project waiting to be created from those. Putting out my shoes for SInterklass. I will have to go to Ikea to get the cookie mix! :)

    Laura :)

    ReplyDelete
  68. AnonymousNovember 24, 2009 at 7:13 PM

    I LOVE those cookie molds - they are super CUTE! Gingerbread cookies with lemon cream are my favorite treat!

    ReplyDelete
  69. AnonymousNovember 24, 2009 at 7:16 PM

    Thanks for sharing your traditions with us, how much fun that must be - I'll be leaving my shoes out for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  70. marinaNovember 25, 2009 at 8:28 AM

    Perhaps my children know of this tradition already as their shoes are always out! lol Maybe now they can line them up nicely to recieve goodies.
    cheers

    ReplyDelete
  71. karenshopesNovember 25, 2009 at 10:39 AM

    Its so exciting to read about all the different traditions. I love those cookie molds can you still but them ? Can I leave my shoe out?
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  72. WendyNovember 25, 2009 at 2:28 PM

    Wat en ontzettend leuk idee en ook zo lief.
    Ik ga mijn schoen zetten en dat is erg lang geleden kan ik je zeggen hahaha maar weer net zo pannend zou er wat in komen te zitten.....

    Ik heb je blog pas geleden ontdekt en je maakt prachtige creaties waar ik helemaal weg van ben ga zo door dan kunnen wij genieten van jouw blog.

    Groetjes Wendy

    ReplyDelete
  73. UnknownNovember 25, 2009 at 3:25 PM

    What a great tradition!! I love it. We have shoes all over the place, so we should be covered.!

    ReplyDelete
  74. AnitaNovember 25, 2009 at 3:45 PM

    What a nice tradition, happy holidays!

    ReplyDelete
  75. lucieNovember 25, 2009 at 4:23 PM

    O heerlijk is dat toch die Sinterklaastijd! ik heb een paar jaar geleden een haardje gemaakt, vlammenlampjes erin, klompjes ervoor zo gezellig.... ik zal er eens een foto van maken op mijn blog.

    En wat zie ik bij jou handige zakjes speculaaskruiden!

    groetjes Lucie
    (die vanmiddag al heel wat sinterklaasliedjes heeft gezongen...)

    ReplyDelete
  76. yolantapNovember 25, 2009 at 4:26 PM

    This is a very nice tradition. I love hot chocolate and ginger cookies. I would love to find a gift in my shoe!

    ReplyDelete
  77. ValentinaNovember 25, 2009 at 4:37 PM

    Gooi wat in m'n laarsje... dank je , sinterklaasje!
    Oh, to be young again!
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  78. mubNovember 25, 2009 at 6:21 PM

    You know, this will be the third Sinterklaas season I've lived here, and I didn't realize that you left your shoe out for more than one night!

    ReplyDelete
  79. JoannaNovember 25, 2009 at 6:22 PM

    Heleen, I loved reading about your traditions! It's so interesting how people all over the world have their own regional traditions. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  80. Teresa CNovember 25, 2009 at 6:56 PM

    Our neighbor is an elderly gentleman who grew up in Holland and he is always sharing the stories and customs of the country. I think I may have had one of those cookies while visiting with him once. They are delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Hi! My name is erica. Would you be my friend?November 30, 2009 at 9:15 PM

    Darn! I wish I hadn't been on vacation!

    Now I'm hungry! :)

    ReplyDelete
  82. WendyDecember 2, 2009 at 1:50 AM

    Oh my, I just found your blog and have fell in love with it. Where do you get those awesome cookie molds? I would love to have some myself. We make gingerbread cookies here in the states but not in those type of cookie molds. They are wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Oli VillarroelDecember 2, 2009 at 2:05 PM

    Soo nice blog....I loved everything...I live in Wassenaar...And I am loving living here.... thanks to Dutch sister i arrived to you! great
    nice holidays!
    Oli

    ReplyDelete