THE golden brown braids, heavenly sweet on the tongue, drenched in syrup and crisp to the bite, are icons of South African tradition and the subject of many secret family recipes, handed down from the master baker to a handpicked and worthy successor.
The word ‘koeksister’ is from the Dutch ‘koekje’, and the art of creating the plaited delights just right requires a high level of expertise.
One of the ‘koeksister’ masters resides in Meerensee.
Accountant Elizabeth Wilken (57) was prompted by good friend Tina de Beer, of Solidarity Helping Hand, to enter the ‘Stoofstories’ competition, because despite Elizabeth having last made the sweet temptations years ago, she was the keeper of one of best recipes in circulation.
Tina’s taste buds were on target, because Elizabeth, to no surprise of all her samplers, finished third in the competition, out-baking many other masters.
‘I always treasured my mom’s ‘koeksister’ recipe, because she taught me to her hand, and boy, could she bake!
‘Many bakers are secretive about their recipes, but I want to share hers so everyone can be blessed.
‘My mom would have been so proud if she knew her recipe would live on in this way.’
‘Koeksisters’ in the making is no light work, Elizabeth says with a twinkle in the eye.
‘One small mistake and you’ve had your chips.
‘The secret is to knead and knead and knead until you are exhausted – and then you knead some more.’
‘Once they are up for grabs, they don’t last long, of course, and your hard work is gone in seconds.
‘And therein lies the satisfaction of the baker – in the enjoyment of the eaters.’
