Koeksisters

For the dough, rub the butter into the dry ingredients. Combine the wet ingredients and add to the dry ingredients.

Mix to a soft, smooth dough using your hands. Cover with cling film and set aside to rest, at least 20 minutes (a few hours is ideal).

For the syrup, bring all of the ingredients to a boil. Simmer, 5 minutes, remove from heat, transfer to 3 deep containers covered in cling film and place in the freezer to chill, 2 hours.

To assemble the koeksisters, roll the dough out to 0,5cm thickness (using a little extra flour to aid rolling) and cut into rectangles of 10cm x 3cm. Cut either 2 or 3 slits into the length of each rectangle, leaving them joined at the top.

Plait or twist and then secure the ends firmly by pinching the dough together. Do not stretch the dough while plaiting. Set aside to rest, at least 10 minutes.

In a deep fat fryer or large, deep pot, heat the oil to 160˚C – 170˚C. Use a sugar thermometer to check the temperature of the oil if using a pot. Deep-fry the koeksisters until golden brown all around. Immediately submerge in the ice-cold syrup. Use the 3 containers of syrup alternatively, replacing the syrup that’s heated up with the cold syrup. Leave submerged in syrup until the next batch is done, then drain on a wire rack over a tray, catching excess syrup and reserving it for further use.