An oliebol is a Dutch
beignet, a variety of doughnut or fried dough that is traditionally
eaten on New Year's Eve. People often eat it with raisins baked inside
and with powdered sugar on top. Another variation is made with apple
inside instead of raisins. It is also called different names in
different countries like in Ghana, West Africa , there locally known as
Boffrot. My love for this doughnut really resonates with my culutral
connection with the history of the Duth and with my country Ghana. When
leaving Ghana to study in The Netherlands,I thought I would be exposed
to new foods but I was so excited to try and blend into the Dutch
culture but oh was I wrong because my country and The Netherlands seem
to have a lot in common one being it this doughnut. The origins of
oliebollen are not entirely clear. They are said by some to have been
first eaten by Germanic tribes in the Netherlands during the Yule, the
period between December 21 and January 2 where such baked goods were
used.