Vanilla ice cream is a classic at any time of year, but mix in some speculaas spices, as in this easy recipe for speculaas ice cream, and you have a delicious alternative in just a few minutes.

This recipe is also a great way to use up any leftover spiced winter biscuits that may still be hanging around from Christmas - and they give the ice cream texture and crunch. Ben and Jerry's eat your heart out. Eet smakelijk!

'Tis the season for excessive eating and drinking. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking it. You should be able to let your guard down once a year, but the festive indulging can leave you feeling stodgy and apathetic.

To prevent this, or at least give your body a momentary break, why not try this light, fresh apple and prune compote? It is low in fat, high in fibre and easy to make. Simply stew the fruit with juice until soft and eat warm or cold. Delicious with yoghurt for breakfast or as a healthy dessert. Eet smakelijk!

Speculaas is a fragrant mix of spices, including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cardamom. It is often used in Dutch cakes, biscuits and desserts, particularly around the holidays in December.

This recipe for speculaasbrokken, literally meaning spiced pieces, is easy to make and the cooking biscuits fill the house with a wonderful, 'Christmassy' smell. Delicious with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Eet smakelijk!

The last time soup was posted on this blog, it was autumn pumpkin soup. Now that the days are even shorter, and the weather makes you want to curl up inside, the soups are thicker and more comforting.

Take this brown bean soup, for example. Made from wholesome brown beans and smoky sausage, with the distinct taste of celery leaves, it is a filling Dutch winter classic. Delicious as a substantial lunch or light dinner. A vegetarian option is also given. Eet smakelijk!

With the festival of Saint Nicholas just two days away, excitement and consumerism in Holland have reached fever pitch.

Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas, the model for Santa Claus according to some) is celebrated on December 5 and is traditionally when Dutch children receive their presents. Hot chocolate is commonly drunk around this time, by both children and adults.

Whether you celebrate Saint Nick or not, if you're finding this time of year a little trying, relax with a cup of this hot chocolate. It is deliciously decadent because it's made from real chocolate (not powder), a mix of exotic spices and, if you can handle it, freshly ground chili flakes. In fact, it's so rich it could even serve as an unusual dessert. Drink smakelijk!