Speculoos Tartine

History and Background of Speculoos Tartine

Speculoos, a quintessentially Belgian spiced biscuit, traces its origins back to the early 17th century. Traditionally baked around the time of St. Nicholas' feast, these cookies have made their mark as a holiday staple. Derived from the Latin term 'species', hinting at the plethora of spices used, speculoos is primarily characterized by its rich blend of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. In more recent culinary trends, these cookies have been transformed into a spread, reminiscent of peanut butter, found in popular culture as Speculoos or "cookie butter". A tartine, on the other hand, is an open-faced sandwich of French origin, providing an elegant yet simple base for this delectable spread. Hence, the Speculoos Tartine marries the comforting warmth of these spiced cookies with the rustic and effortless charm of French bread.

Ingredients

• Speculoos spread, 200g
• Fresh baguette, 1 loaf
• Unsalted butter, 50g
• Banana, 1, thinly sliced
• Drizzle of honey
• Pinch of sea salt

Preparation

Before assembling your Speculoos Tartine, ensure you have all ingredients ready and within reach. The fresh baguette should be sliced in thick pieces, approximately 1-inch thick, to create a sturdy base for your toppings. Let the butter reach room temperature to ensure easy spreading. As for the banana, slice it evenly for a pleasing visual presentation as well as consistent flavor.

Preparing the Bread

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C. Lay the slices of baguette on a baking sheet and toast them for about 5 minutes until slightly golden but still soft in the center. This enhances the bread’s flavor and offers a contrasting texture to the creamy toppings.

Applying the Speculoos Spread

Once the bread is adequately toasted, generously spread a layer of softened butter on each slice. Next, follow by spreading a generous portion of Speculoos spread, approximately one heaping tablespoon per slice. Allow the warmth from the toasted bread to slightly melt the spread, releasing its aromatic spices.

Topping with Bananas and Honey

Neatly arrange the thin banana slices over the Speculoos spread. Drizzle a delicate amount of honey over the top to add a layer of sweetness that complements the spices. Finally, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top to accentuate all the flavors.

Cooking Process

As a tartine is typically a non-cooked item aside from toasting the bread, the essential 'cooking' is more about the careful layering and presentation of your ingredients. However, this tartine benefits from a brief finishing touch: place the assembled tartines back in the oven for an extra minute at the same temperature. This will lightly caramelize the honey and integrate the flavors even more.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Speculoos Tartine while still slightly warm for the best taste experience. Accompany with a hot beverage such as coffee or spiced tea, which will enhance the speculoos notes. If you wish to add a gourmet touch, garnish with a fine dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of crushed speculoos biscuits for added texture.

How to Enjoy Your Speculoos Tartine

Enjoy your Speculoos Tartine by first appreciating the fusion of its enticing aroma—a symphony of spices, baked bread, and sweet banana. With each bite, savor the crunch of the toasted baguette joined with the creamy, spiced speculoos spread, accentuated by the smooth butter and honey's sweetness. Take time to relish in the layers of flavors, making it a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy.

A Speculoos Tartine is not only a delightful breakfast or snack but also holds the potential as a thoughtful addition to a brunch menu or as an elegant offering at tea-time gatherings. Its simplicity in preparation coupled with its complexity in taste renders it a true culinary delight.