Tompouce

Tompouce is a traditional Dutch pastry that is often consumed during celebrations, particularly on King's Day and other national holidays. The pastry is named after the character Tom Pouce, the French name for Tom Thumb, a character from European folklore.

Description

A tompouce is composed of a thick layer of pastry cream sandwiched between two layers of puff pastry. The top layer of puff pastry is typically coated with a pink or orange icing, though the color may vary depending on the occasion. For example, the icing is often colored orange for King's Day, in honor of the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau.

Variations

While the traditional tompouce features a sweet, creamy filling and a colorful icing, there are many variations of this pastry. Some versions may include a layer of whipped cream or fruit preserves, while others may feature different flavors of icing, such as chocolate or vanilla.

Consumption

Due to its structure, a tompouce can be difficult to eat without making a mess. The Dutch have developed a specific method for eating this pastry, which involves turning it on its side and eating it with a fork and knife.

See also

• List of pastries
• Cuisine of the Netherlands

‎