Koeksister

A koeksister is a beloved treat in South Africa, particularly cherished by the Afrikaner community. Made from strips of dough that are perfectly fried and then soaked in a sugary syrup or honey, the result is a delightful pastry with a crispy exterior and a gooey, syrupy center that tastes wonderfully sweet and sticky.

However, do not confuse it with the Cape Malay koe'sister. While these two pastries share similarities, the Cape Malay version is a fried dough ball rolled in coconut, which gives it a distinctive texture and flavor.

The process of making koeksisters is quite involved. First, the dough strips are fried until they are golden and crispy. Then, while still hot, they are immersed in ice-cold sugar syrup. This technique creates the signature contrast between the crispy exterior and the syrupy interior.

Brands like Ouma Rooi Koeksisters have become household names, thanks to their delectable versions of this treat. Some of the founders of these brands have even won baking competitions and appeared on popular TV shows like the South African Koekedoor Show.

In the Afrikaner community of Orania, there is even a koeksister monument! This monument highlights the tradition of baking these sweet treats to raise money for local churches and schools. It stands as a testament to how deeply embedded koeksisters are in the culture and community.