Now is the time for all loyal Flemish Americans to rally behind their "lukijzers" and bake traditional New Year's treat called "lukken". Not found in the standard Dutch dictionaries, the word "lukke" is listed in De Bo's "West-vlaamsch Idioticon", a two-volumes dictionary of typical West Flemish words and expressions, published in 1870. The word "lukke" is defined as a "thin, solid little wafer, usually oval-shaped, baked of flour, butter, and sugar" "Lukken" are given mostly as New Year's treats, and therefore they are also called "Nieuwjaarswafeltjes". The expression "Het gaat lijk lukken bakken", it goes like baking lukken, is said of something that can be done fast and easily.
The word "luk" is derived from the word "geluk", which can be translated good luck, good fortune, happiness, as in the expression "luk of raak" hit or miss. Similarly the verb "lukken" is a form of "gelukken", to succeed, whereas "mislukken" means to fail. The adjective "gelukkig" means happy, and is the usual Dutch word in greetings and good wishes for New Years, birthdays, feastdays, etc., such as "Gelukkig Nieuwjaar", Happy New Year.
To treat or greet someone on the occasion of the New Year was also called "lukken" , as in the saying "Ik ga morgen gaan lukken", tomorrow I'm going "lukken", or "Hij heeft zijn meter gelukt", he has "gelukt" his godmother.
To all the readers a "Gelukkig Niewuwjaar" and good luck with you "lukken"!
If you have questions or are interested in purchasing a Belgian Cookie Iron, contact Dan Verkinderen for more information.
It is necessary to preheat the iron before using it. To preheat, add a little grease the first time you use it. After that, it is not necessary. Close the cover and allow it to stand on heat for about 5 minutes. When first heated, it may smoke a little or a light odor may be detected. This is normal, and will go away once the newness has worn off.
Clean the iron by wiping it with paper towels. DO NOT WASH THE IRON! After the iron has cooled, store it in a tightly covered container in a dry area, with a clean paper towel between the grills.
Try out some great Belgian cookie recipes.