Koeksisters

Method

For the syrup

1. Bring all the ingredients to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Allow to cool.

For the dough

1. Combine all the dry ingredients.
2. Add the wet ingredients and mix with your hands until they have been incorporated. Let the dough rest for a few minutes.
3. Place the dough on a floured work surface and roll out to a thickness of 2 ½ cm. Cut it into strips about 2 cm wide.
4. Cut each strip into 3 strands but do not cut all the way through on one end. Carefully stretch the strands until they are an even length.
5. Plait the strands and tightly pinch the end to seal.
6. In a large pot, heat 8-10 cm of the oil. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of batter into the oil - if it is not hot enough, the batter will stay at the bottom of the pot rather than rise to the top. If using a deep fryer, fry at 350˚C.
7. Gently place the koeksisters in the pot.
8. Fry for a few minutes on each side making sure they are an even golden brown all round.
9. Using a slotted spoon, remove the koeksisters from the hot oil and immediately place them in the cold syrup.
10. Leave them to soak up the syrup, turning a few times to ensure that each side soaks up as much syrup as possible.
11. Remove the koeksisters from the syrup, and transfer onto a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before serving.