Hot to make koeksisters

Prepare the syrup one day in advance. In a saucepan heat the sugar, syrup and water at a low heat until dissolved.

Add the cinnamon sticks and allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Leave to cool and then refrigerate.

Make the koeksister dough: Sift the self-raising flour into a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl mix together the salt, egg, water and melted butter.

Add the liquid to the flour and mix to a soft dough. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Roll out the dough until about 7mm thick. Cut into 8x4cm rectangles. Make three incisions lengthways on each strip, leaving 1cm at the top. Plait the strips, pressing the loose ends tightly together.

Heat the oil until very hot. Deep-fry the koeksisters in batches until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and dip into the chilled syrup.

Remove with another slotted spoon and leave to dry slightly.

MAKES: 24 koeksisters

TIME: Two hours

• 250g self-raising flour
• Pinch salt
• 1 jumbo egg
• 125ml water
• 10ml melted butter
• Cooking oil for deep-frying
• For the syrup:
• 300g sugar
• 30ml golden syrup
• 350ml water
• 2 cinnamon sticks