Koeksisters

Ingredients:

280g Cake Flour
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
2 tbs Baking Powder
4 tbsp Butter - soften
1 Large Free-Range Egg - lightly beaten
7 tbsp Water
6 cups Vegetable Oil - deep frying

Syrup:

1kg Sugar
2 cups Water
2 Cinnamon Sticks
1 x 2.5cm piece Fresh Ginger - peeled and sliced
1 Lemon - juiced and zested

Method:

1. Make the syrup a day before in order to get it sufficiently cold for serving.

2. Dissolve the sugar in the water in a saucepan over a low heat, stirring frequently - do not bring the mixture to a boil until the sugar has dissolved completely.

3. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 1 minute, then add spices,lemon juice and zest. Reduce the temperature and let the syrup simmer for a further 5 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to cool before transferring to a rectangular, airtight container.

4. Chill overnight.

5. To make the dough, sift the flour, salt and baking powder together.

6. Rub in the butter to create a mixture that resembles breadcrumbs.

7. Use a palette knife to mix in the egg, then add water, a little at a time, until the dough comes together- add more flour if it feels overly sticky.

8. Knead for 30 seconds to form a ball. Rest in a bowl covered with cling wrap at room temperature for at least 1 hour.

9. Roll out the dough to a thickness of 1cm on a lightly floured surface. Cut into rectangular shape and then into 12 x 4cm strips. Turn each strip so that the short side is at the top.

10. Make two incisions, 1cm apart, into each strip, keeping the tops intact.

11. Plait the three "legs" tightly and pinch the loose ends together. Fold the top in slightly to resemble the bottom. Repeat with the remaining dough.

12. Heat the oil in a large saucepan and, when hot (test with a small piece of dough - it should sizzle but not brown instantly), place three Koeksisters into it. Deep-fry for 3 minutes, turning and lightly pressing the Koeksisters into the oil.

13. When golden brown, remove using a slotted spoon and drain briefly on kitchen paper before plunging into the cold syrup.

14. Coat thoroughly in syrup and leave to soak for 1 minute.

15. Remove and transfer to a rack to cool and dry slightly before serving.

16. Enjoy!