World-Class Drinks and Bites with the New Book Wereldwijd Borreltijd
There’s nothing wrong with Dutch drinks-and-bites culture. Think premium liver sausage, cubes of farmhouse cheese with mustard, ossenworst and, of course, the Netherlands’ pride and joy: the bitterbal. These days, there’s also a dizzying range of locally brewed craft beers, whether or not you drink them with an old-school Dutch jenever: the good old kopstoot. But there’s so much more to drinks and bites – and you’ll read all about it in the latest book, Wereldwijd Borreltijd.
How about savoury Indian crackers? Vietnamese Bánh mì chiên tôm? Or Spanish albondigas? Susan Aretz, food blogger and professional bon vivant, created Wereldwijd Borreltijd – een reis om de wereld in 80 bites & drinks. An excellent idea and excuse to explore every drinks-and-bites possibility, because hey … somewhere in the world, it’s always five o’clock.
Deep-frying
Wereldwijd Borreltijd is the successor to Borreltijd, which Susan created earlier and which became an instant hit. Her latest book of drinks-and-bites recipes also has everything it takes to climb the bestseller lists. Most cookbooks have a section devoted to drinks-and-bites snacks. What makes Aretz’s books so appealing is that she focuses solely on drinks and bites. And that results in a book packed with no fewer than eighty inspiring ideas. Deep-fried bites, dips, assembled drinks-and-bites boards – every conceivable variation makes an appearance. With recipes from around the world.
Lobster roll
Like mini lobster rolls from New York – a brioche bun sliced open from the top and filled with mayonnaise and lobster meat (or the more budget-friendly crayfish). And Spanish Manchego croquettes (‘croqueatas manchego’), labneh – the famous strained yoghurt from Middle Eastern cuisine – and Indian raita. And for deep-frying enthusiasts: arancini, the famous fried Italian rice balls, and Moroccan halloumi fries with harissa dip. Is your mouth watering yet?
Ebi Katsu
Want to impress at your next drinks gathering? Make Ebi Katsu: a deep-fried shrimp burger on a soft steamed bun, with salad and mayonnaise. Or Aloo Tikki, the spicy Indian take on the potato croquette.
The many extras in the book are a great touch. Such as the overview pages featuring flavoured butters (lime-chipotle butter!). Or the extensive drinks-and-bites boards, such as the vegan board or the Asia board. There’s also an overview of recipes for DIY table pickles. Naturally, drinks aren’t forgotten either, including the basics for making your favourite cocktail or mocktail. Susan’s own version of a perfect serve gin and tonic is also included, made with her independently produced Holy Unicorn Gin, which she launched at the same time as her book.
Wereldwijd Borreltijd was clearly made with a great deal of pleasure. It’s an inexhaustible source of drinks-and-bites inspiration. And perhaps most importantly: it immediately makes you want to get together for drinks and bites. A drink, anyone?
Also read:
- It gets even crazier: waitstaff talk about even stranger orders
- 18 dogs who love food more than anything else
- 11 times orders didn’t come through quite right (and it’s hilarious)
