Tomorrow is the annual "Fall Market" in our town. The streets will be closed to traffic in the town's center and the streets will be totally filled with stands where you can buy many, many different things. One of the things that you can buy are the traditional Koetaai's or Taaikoe's, as some say. These ate thin, and soft breads that are made in the general form of a cow. The overriding flavour of the bread is anaise. This tradition was begun in 1700 when a baker in the centrum of the town made and sold the first one at this time of year. The cakes/cookies were made to celebrate the old "Cow Market" that was once held twice a year here. Folks would come from all over europe to buy and sell their stock. In the 1600's the market ws moved to a neighbouring town on the backs of the then named, Zuider Zee. I hope that you guys enjoy this little bit of Dutch culture--I only wish that I could give you all a bite of the cake(cookie). Here is one. It is about 12 inches long and 9-10 inches tall.
Will we be seeing pictures of the Fall Market? I saw one of those baking molds in an antique shop several years ago and wondered what it was used for and why it was in a cow looking shape.....now I know. I bet it does taste good, I like Anise flavoring.
ooo, I want to go. I love site seeing, and buying some too. "The streets will be closed to traffic in the town's center and the streets will be totally filled with stands where you can buy many, many different things. " Sounds like so much fun. You simply must take picts. your cookie/cake looks delic also.
Mmm, I can smell it all the way here! I like anise a lot, and so do my children. Please post photos of the market too, it sounds simply delightful.
A good friend gave us one of these 'cow breads' some time ago and I can definately vouch for it being absolutely delicious. I would love to see the Fall Market and spend time browsing through all the stalls.
Now, I will have to make some bread to go with the oatmeal cookies. Maybe it can go with the meatloaf I'm planning for supper. I like fairs like that but you don't see many of them here. dooley
Looks yummy, and looks thicker than a cookie but not as thick as bread. I'm guessing it's made with special molds. Do you know if yeast is used in the recipe?
KL--Yes they are made with special wooden molds. I am sorry, I do not know if yeast is used in the recipe. I've never made it they are for sale everywhere and not very expensive at all. PETUNIA & DROOPY--I do not plan to go to this years' market since I wnet last year and the weather is supposed to be really bad with hail and blowing rain. I will keep an eys out in the papers to see if there will be a pic in the paper. If the plans change, I shall take the camera.
Those cookies looks lekker. :-D Sjoerd, they remind me of those spicy speculaas cookies that is available here by us from time to time. Pity about there weather there by you. We ar sort of in the same boat at the moment with rain and wind.
