The Dutch word for marshmallow is spek — the same word as for bacon. A single piece is a spekje, and spekkies is the informal plural used in shops and by children. The name comes from the look of the classic Dutch marshmallow: pink and white layers in a strip or twist, resembling a rasher of streaky bacon. In Flanders the usual word is spekken, and regional names such as nonnenbil also exist. The English loanword "marshmallow" is understood too, especially for the large round American type.
What they are made of
The English name comes from the marsh mallow plant (Althaea officinalis, Dutch heemst), whose root extract was once used in the recipe. Modern marshmallows are made from sugar and glucose syrup whipped with gelatine (and sometimes egg white), coloured and flavoured, then extruded or poured, cut, and dusted with starch and powdered sugar to stop them sticking. Because of the gelatine, most spekkies are not vegetarian; vegetarian and halal or kosher versions with alternative gelling agents are available.
Forms
The classic Dutch forms are pink-and-white cubes, twisted ropes and long strips, often in vanilla or strawberry flavour. Spekkies are a standard part of mixed candy bags and children's party treats, sit alongside schuimpjes in the old-Dutch assortment, and are also sold as large plain white marshmallows for roasting over a campfire or barbecue.
Quick answers
- Dutch word for marshmallow: spek or spekje (plural spekjes; informally spekkies).
- Flemish: spekken.
- Why "bacon"? The pink-and-white layers look like a strip of streaky bacon.
- Vegetarian? Usually not, because of gelatine — check the label.