The subject of this posting began around 1700…but I will get back to that in a moment. What was here first was the Koemarkt. There were actually two, the southern Koemarkt where the Rode Steen is now (in the centrum of the old city) and the Northern Koemarkt, This northern location is the one that survives today. Well, they no longer sell livestock here as in the old days when Dutch people would bring their stock here to sell. Also there were people from Denmark and Germany who would come. The Koemarkten began way back before the 1400’s actually. Oxen, veg and fruit were also sold. In those days there were canals throughout our city. It must have been quite a sight. But hang on, you did not sign on for a history lesson about a distant coastal economic centre flourishing on the banks of the Zuider Zee. Nay, you came for the taaikoe. Koemarkt, taaikoe— what does that all mean?! Koemarkt means, Cow Market, and taaikoe roughly means, Tough Cow. It is made with honey, anise and who knows what else. It is not brittle, rather softly tough. They are a challenge to eat. Dentures would not work well. At any rate my Bride popped out to the Herfstmarkt (Fall Market) for a looksy. I stayed at home, feeling sorry for myself. Here is what she came back with for by the tea. You can get them in diverse sizes. Traditionally the dough is pressed into a carved-out wooden form and then popped into the oven. They make the shapes differently now; they are less life-like and take on a more monsterous likeness. Just look at ours this year: I see a rhino. Ach well, call it what you will, the taste and consistency is spot-on.
