Kruidnoten

'''''' () are hard cookie-like confectioneries made of speculaas, roughly the size of a coin and shaped as a flattened hemisphere, traditionally associated with Sinterklaas and commonly eaten in Belgium and the Netherlands.

==Traditions== ===The Netherlands=== When children come to witness Sinterklaas' arrival to the country, it is normal to receive a handful of kruidnoten from one of his helpers called Piet. At home, during Sinterklaas eve, kruidnoten and other candies are thrown around. Children consider it a form of entertainment to go around and collect the dropped candies. In earlier days it was habit to throw around kruidnoten on the pavement and at schools during visits of Sinterklaas, too. At a certain moment, maybe because of hygiene concerns, this became less common. At school, visiting Pieten now tend to lay down a pile or small bag on the student's desk or directly in the child's hand. Although some guess this throwing around has a deeper meaning, comparable to the throwing of rice at weddings it is most likely a symbol of Sinterklaas' generosity. Some schools and supermarkets organize make-them-yourself sessions. Children are given pre-made dough and are tasked to shape them into kruidnoten.