The Koeksister
Pronounced “cook-sisters”
This dessert has seduced many a man and will continue to do so…
The name “koeksister” comes from the Afrikaans words for “cake” and “sister.”. It is popular in the Afrikaner community in South Africa and is probably the reason why the doughnut hasn’t really made any headlines here. The Koeksister is deep-fried plaited dough, then dipped in icy cold syrup. Which then makes them even more delectable, sticky and amazing.
You can find a koeksister probably anywhere in South Africa, but that doesn’t mean they are all good. It’s definitely not the easiest thing to make. No one likes a dry koeksister.
I remember, growing up and always asking my aunt to make a batch for me. She made the absolute best koeksisters. Crusty exterior, and once you bite through, the soft, sweet syrup takes over and there you go, you are in heaven.
Interesting Fact #1: When Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first black president, he visited the widow of Apartheid architect HF Verwoed in Oranje, where they shared a plate of koeksisters.
Interesting Fact #2: There’s a monument dedicated to the koeksister, located in the very unusual town called, Orania (Northern Cape).
P.S. Sorry to all the home-sick South Africans.