Here is a fun fact to start things off: the majority of West Michigan has Dutch ancestry and roots. My family is no exception. My mother's parents lived in the Netherlands for 20 plus years before making the move to America, so I was raised in a very heavily Dutch-cultured home, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. So here is the inside scoop on growing up Dutch.
1. Everything you owned during your childhood was knitted or crocheted.
Blankets, socks, hats, mittens, dolls, Barbie clothes, etc. You name it, our grandma made it (with love of course).
2. Your diet was very, let's say, limited.
Every dinner meal consists of some form and variation of potato. Mashed, whipped, baked, cheesy, twice-baked - we made it all, ensuring we never got sick of it.
3. For breakfast: Toast and Hagelslag.
Every child's dream come true: chocolate sprinkles for breakfast. Students and teachers alike were quick to deem them as rat turds, until they tried them that is. Oh, and sorry, but Nutella is the knock off of our original Nusco.
4. Rusk was the key ingredient behind every rave-worthy dish.
Rusk is toasted and dried out bread pieces, and it gets crumbled and sprinkled on and in everything. It was also your teething treat as a baby.
5. Your house decor was made up of delft and wooden shoes.
You know the antique looking white plate with Dutch scenery in blue? Most of the time this decor has been handed down for generations.
6. Clipping coupons was an activity done before any and every family outing.
This would probably be where the phrase "being Dutch" came about. However, we prefer the term "thrifty."
7. Going out to eat was a treat in its own, however, something to drink besides water was not up for discussion.
Neither was dessert for that matter.
8. Church candy was Wilhelmina Peppermints.
That are sold in none other than a delft printed tin.
9. You own a book about your family history.
World War II was such a huge part of your grandparent's lives, they wrote it all in a book so the war stories are never forgotten from generation to generation.
10. Your grandparents speak fluent Dutch, your mom speaks fluent Dutch, your dad tries to speak Dutch, and you know the basic Dutch phrases.
slaap lekker meisje = sleep tight little girl
Now you can see why they deem Dutch kids the happiest in the world, and I will vouch for that! All I suggest is go visit the small section in aisle 8 - the foreign foods - at the very end will be an arm-full and happy hearts worth of the best Dutch food selections the States has to offer.
