Spekuloimiseen

Spekuloimiseen, often shortened to spekulo, is a traditional Belgian and Dutch spiced biscuit. It is typically made with a mixture of brown sugar and spices, which can include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom. The dough is usually pressed into a wooden mold before baking, which gives the biscuit its distinctive shape and often features intricate designs, such as religious scenes or everyday life depictions. This molding process is a key characteristic of spekulo.

The origin of spekulo is believed to date back to the Middle Ages. The name "spekulo" is thought to derive from the Latin word "speculum," meaning mirror, likely referring to the molds used to create the biscuits. Another theory suggests it comes from the Dutch word "specerij," meaning spice. Historically, these biscuits were particularly popular around Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) Day, celebrated on December 6th, and Christmas.

Spekulo biscuits are known for their crisp texture and caramelized flavor, a result of the brown sugar and the baking process. They can be enjoyed on their own, dipped in coffee or tea, or used as an ingredient in various desserts. Crushed spekulo are often used to create a base for cheesecakes or as a topping for ice cream. In recent years, spekulo spread has become a popular hazelnut-chocolate spread alternative, incorporating the spiced biscuit's flavor profile.