Dutch

If you have an e-mail address, chances are you've received a forward that starts with the phrase, “You know you are ………. if you……….”.  Rest easy. I am not going to start a new one called “You know you are Dutch if……”  Many of us are several generations away from our immigrant ancestors, yet we continue to maintain certain hidden rules. I am one hundred percent Dutch with the fair skin and blond hair to go with that pedigree. My ancestors were extremely conservative and placed a high priority on faith, family and frugality. Here are a few signs that you might be amongst my people. (You've been warned.)

Check a Dutch kitchen cupboard and you will most likely find a bottle of almond extract. We like all things almond. A favorite treat is called Bunket. It is a flaky pastry filled with an almond paste. It goes great with a strong cup of coffee and the crusty crumbs on your shirt taste just as good an hour later.

Check our stash of greeting cards. Chances are you won’t find any fancy dancy Hallmarky cards. We are not too keen on spending $5.99 for a card when something a little less pricey can carry the same sentiment. It’s more likely that we have a box of all occasion cards with flowery pictures and to-the-point greetings. Better yet, our box was purchased from the church’s ladies aid society, making it a win-win deal.

Most Dutch households have a stand alone freezer. Bigger bargains can be purchased if you have the freezer space. We also like to cook and bake. Without a freezer, there would be waste and that is just not acceptable. We procure our meat through locker plants so we don’t have to pay $30.00 or more for a steak dinner. Vegetables from our gardens nestle in by the protein in the freezer so we are prepared for a life without menus.

We borrow our books from the library at church or the downtown place. Spending money on something that is a one time read through is incongruent with our budget beliefs. There is always a chance that a new book will be a bust so being able to return it with no strings attached is a sweet thing. Borrowing books is also a way to spur one on to finish a book before the bell of the due date tolls.

Dutch folks are happiest when they've saved a penny or two. This includes the two for one meal deals, discount store bargains and closeout sales. Buying something for full price is tantamount to using good china for an everyday meal. It’s just not done. And, heaven forbid, we are forced into buying something at its full retail cost.That is a secret that goes to the grave with us.   

My people like to use stuff until it wears out…completely out. Most of us don’t need the latest, everyone-has-it item. Shoe polish, patches, sewing kits and duct tape fix most things. We don’t worry about what the neighbors think unless they think we might be rich.

The older I get, the more I know that it’s impossible to fight genetics. We may think that we are different from our grandparents but when it comes right down to it, we eat and drink the same almond pastries and cups of coffee as they did. My advice is to celebrate who you are and enjoy the crumbs on your shirt.