Salty Dutch Licorice

[fladd]

I'd heard a lot about Dutch licorice, so I sent away for some of the hardcore salty stuff. It arrived yesterday - very challenging stuff. Is there a traditional way that I should be eating it? The flavor is very intense - is it usually eaten with cheese or something?

Just wondering - it was pretty expensive and I want to make sure I give it every chance before I write it off.

Thanks.

[galleygirl]

Ah, drop!

The Dutch eat it to cheer up when they're sad, to celebrate when they're happy, when they're hungry, to settle their stomachs after a large meal, before, during, and after sex...;)

That said, it tastes like a cross between Lapsang Souchong tea and dirty socks...the first taste almost kills ya, then you start thinking, 'Wait, this stuff is great!"
"It's so awful; I love it!"
"I hate it; no wait, I love it!!"

We brought back about 8 boxes from Amsterdam, and sampled each one, going for the nastiest, which was so awful, it was good...I don't know how else to put it...Kinda like an epoisses with that tang of the barnyard in it; that same intense whiff that you keep going back for...

I, personally love it...In fact, I have a bag next to my computer...But to answer your question, you eat it straight, often and anytime!

Link: http://www.bistrodraw.com

[jackie]

Your right, the dutch (me included) eat it any time, but in our family it was also used to help with a cold, congestion, or a sore throat. I loved it as a kid, don't have it much at all now and am afraid it's just too salty for me,since I've been away from it. My dutch cousins(our parents all immigrated when we were children) still buy it whenever they get to the dutch store in Michigan. It really is an acquired taste!

[cheyenne]

It grows on you definitely. I think most people I know who like it thought it was vile the first time they tried it.