Banket (food)



Banket (bahn-KET), banketstaaf or letterbanket is a sweet pastry that originated in the Netherlands. It is popular during Christmas season, to celebrate Sinterklaas especially on Saint Nicholas' eve, December 5.

It is also known as Dutch letter and almond patty in the Midwestern United States. In the US, banket may be referred to as Dutch letter, and is typically formed in the shape of a letter, such as the letter "S".

Etymology
The term letterbanket or banket letter refers to the tradition of bending the uncooked logs into the shape of letters. The baked letters would then be used to spell out messages such as Merry Christmas on a holiday feast banquet table.

Ingredients and preparation
Banket is made by rolling pastry dough around an almond paste filling, and then baking it. The rolled log is then cut into short lengths for serving, hot or cold. It can also be frozen and enjoyed after the holiday season. It is sometimes prepared as a cookie.