Key Takeaways
- Subject: a two-word Dutch note that reads “Kaas spiraal,” meaning “cheese spiral.”
- Likely purpose: a quick reminder for a simple puff-pastry snack.
- Why it matters: tiny handwritten cues help memory and planning, according to research.
- Bonus: a short Dutch mini-lesson explains each word clearly.
Story & Details
A scrap of paper, a clear idea
In December 2025, a small handwritten note carries two neat words: “Kaas spiraal.” Read together, they point to a familiar, unfussy bite — pastry rolled with cheese into a spiral and baked into pinwheels. It feels like a classic reminder: brief, practical, and tasty.
A tiny Dutch mini-lesson
“Kaas” is Dutch for “cheese.” “Spiraal” means “spiral.” Say “kaas” with a long “aa,” like “kahs.” “Spiraal” ends with that same long vowel, “spee-raal.” Two short words, one clear meaning.
Why handwriting helps
The choice to jot it down matters. Studies from universities and peer-reviewed reviews suggest that writing by hand can strengthen recall and understanding compared with typing. Paper offers spatial and tactile cues that the brain can use when retrieving information. A small note can therefore be more than a list item; it is a memory anchor.
From cue to kitchen
If the note sends someone to the shop, the result is straightforward: ready-rolled puff pastry, grated cheese, roll, slice, bake. Many reputable food outlets show simple variations — some add herbs or a little heat — but the heart of the idea stays the same: a spiral of pastry and cheese.
Conclusions
The power of small
A two-word cue can move a day forward: one snack, one plan, less decision fatigue. The Dutch is easy to decode, the food is easy to make, and the science backs the habit of writing things down. The next time a plan risks slipping away, a quick note might be the most reliable tool in the kitchen — and in the mind.
Selected References
[1] Wiktionary. “kaas.” https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/kaas
[2] Wiktionary. “spiraal.” https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/spiraal
[3] BBC Good Food. “Cheese & pickle pinwheels.” https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/cheese-pickle-pinwheels
[4] The University of Tokyo. “Study shows stronger brain activity after writing on paper than on tablet or smartphone.” https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/focus/en/press/z0508_00168.html
[5] National Library of Medicine (PubMed Central). “The Neuroscience Behind Writing: Handwriting vs. Typing” (2025 review). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11943480/
[6] YouTube — TEDx Talks. “The benefits of writing by hand | Katie McCleary | TEDxEustis.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1t90ucM-54
Appendix
Cheese spiral
A simple snack made by rolling puff pastry with cheese, slicing into pinwheels, and baking until puffed and golden.
Handwriting effect
The observed advantage in memory and comprehension when writing on paper compared with typing, supported by university studies and reviews.
Kaas
Dutch word for “cheese,” pronounced with a long “aa.”
Pinwheel
A small, spiral-shaped slice cut from a rolled sheet of pastry or dough, often served as a bite-size snack.
Spiraal
Dutch word for “spiral,” commonly used for shapes that curl around a center.
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 