Stroopwaffels -- caramel-filled thin wafers -- are my favorite Dutch street eat.

Since I left the Netherlands, I’ve found myself daydreaming about what they do best — ooey gooey street pastries.  Imagine my surprise when, wandering through the Shanghai World Expo, I started to smell my favorite Dutch treats.  And just when I thought I was hallucinating…

Stroopwaffels!!  Stroopwaffels!!  There they were.  Apparently the Netherlands sent over attractive Dutch people to show the Chinese how to make cookies (really, they looked like models).  I promptly dusted off my Dutch, ordered a waffle, and entered caramel heaven.

A thin waffle cookie, cut into paper-thin halves, with a cinnamon-scented caramel sandwiched between.

I wish other Expo exhibits had featured their national edible treasures, but alas…maybe next time the other nations of the world will follow the example of the Dutch, and let desserts lead the way toward world peace.

If you’re interested in making these yourself, check out my friend, Kitchen Butterfly.  She posts from the Netherlands and has posted several stroopwaffel recipes that look fantastic.  Try to make them and place your cookie on the top of a cup of warm coffee or tea.  When the center droops slightly, the syrup has gotten all melty — and you’re ready for a gooey bite!