koeksusters

A South African friend of mine made these "koeksusters" the other day and posted pictures on his facebook! I knew when i saw those golden sugary treats i had to try them...

Ok, so i'll give you the recipe then i'll tell you how i'd tweak it to make it just right! I tell you what though, make sure and google image "koeksuster" some make them in long straight twists...perfectly...so jealous! I don't think i did too bad a job on the braids, seeing as i do my hair all the time, hehe *wink* These were fairly easy to make!

Koeksusters

Sugar Syrup

(make first and refrigerate until cold, i did mine the day before)

2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups water

Mix together in a small saucepan and bring to the boil, simmer until sugar has dissolved and mixture has thickened into a nice clear syrup. Take off the heat and let cool, then pop in a bowl and refrigerate until cold.

The Dough

2 cups flour

1/3 cup butter

1/3 cup milk

2 tsp baking powder

1 egg

Pinch salt

Rub the butter into the flour, then mix in the rest of the ingredients to make a nice dough.

You may not need to add all the milk. Don't over work the dough! Wrap and refrigerate the dough for an hour or so to rest.

When ready, roll your dough to 5mm/1/4 inch thick.

Cut 1 inch wide by 3 inches long pieces.

Make two even cuts lengthwise, leaving one end uncut, so you have three legs as such. Braid the three legs and press ends to join firmly.

Make sure your oil is nice and hot, as for cooking doughnuts, it should take about a minute each side for a nice golden pastry. Drain them on paper towel then dunk them for 10-15 seconds in the COLD sugar syrup while they are still hot. Drain on a rack over a tray to catch the drips.

The dunking gives them a really nice sugary crust with a soft pastry inside!

You have to try them! Mine were quite small as i made them as per the recipe i was given. They would be great for an afternoon tea favour....or sweet treat =)