You say pancakes, they say poffertjes

Some fundraisers are so beloved and successful, they virtually are synonymous with the organization or club that organizes them: Toys for Tots and the United States Marines Corps; Christmastime bell ringing and the Salvation Army; pancakes and Kiwanis.

In cities and towns across North America, Kiwanis pancake breakfasts, suppers, or booths are a tradition that inspires many hungry patrons to return year after year.

Such is the case with the Kiwanis Club of Pella, Iowa, which annually staffs a poffertjes stand during the city’s Tulip Time festival. “Wait! What do poffertjes have to do with pancakes,” you ask?

“Poffertjes (Dutch for little hat) are mini-pancakes made with a sweetened batter we put butter and powdered sugar on (and strawberries and whipped cream for an extra $1),” says Kiwanis member Kevin Bolt. “They are prepared on grills that were made in the Netherlands.”

Kevin says the club began serving poffertjes in 1982. The idea originated because Pella has strong Dutch ties and the Pella Historical Society wanting some type of ethnic food to be sold during the festival.

Though the club doesn’t share the sweet recipe, they share the love by giving their poffertjes profits back to the community.