https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/antwerpse-handjes • Posted by Mnemosyn
'Antwerpse Handjes' are a regional product. These are cookies and/or chocolates made in the shape of a hand. According to folklore, Antwerp got it's name because of a mythical giant called Antigoon, who lived near the River called 'de Schelde'. Anyone crossing the river, had to pay a toll. If they refused, he cut off one of their hands and threw it into the river. Eventually, the giant was slain by a young hero named Brabo, who cut off the giant’s own hand and flung it into the river. Hence the name Antwerpen, comes from 'Hand' and 'werpen' which basically means ‘Hand-throw’. And because 'Antwerpse handjes' are a protected trademark, I can't buy a cookie cutter in the shape of a hand. But I can buy other ones!
'Antwerpse Handjes' are a regional product. These are cookies and/or chocolates made in the shape of a hand. According to folklore, Antwerp got it's name because of a mythical giant called Antigoon, who lived near the River called 'de Schelde'. Anyone crossing the river, had to pay a toll. If they refused, he cut off one of their hands and threw it into the river. Eventually, the giant was slain by a young hero named Brabo, who cut off the giant’s own hand and flung it into the river. Hence the name Antwerpen, comes from 'Hand' and 'werpen' which basically means ‘Hand-throw’. And because 'Antwerpse handjes' are a protected trademark, I can't buy a cookie cutter in the shape of a hand. But I can buy other ones!
Mix the butter and sugar in a bowl.
Sieve the cornstarch and the flower into the bowl and add an egg + the vanilla sugar. Mix all the ingredients with a scoop. After that knead the dough with your fingertips until you have a homogeneous mass. You will do this for about 5 minutes. Don't knead it longer, else you get a leathery dough.
Put the bowl covered away on a warm place, and let the dough rest for about 3 hours.
Preheat the oven on 180°C.
Add some flower on the place were you will roll out your dough, so it won't stick on it. Press the dough flat with your palms and roll it out into a thick patch of about 1cm. Now punch out the cookies with your cookies form.
Put some baling paper over your baking tray. Put the cookies on the plate and let bake for about 15min until they're golden brown and crispy.
Let the cookies cool down on a baking grid. Yummy with thee, coffee or a glass of Elixir d'Anvers.
TIP: Just before baking, brush the biscuits with a little beaten egg white and sprinkle some flaked almonds over it. They are even tastier that way.