KOEKSISTER BUTTONS with SESAME SEEDS

MAKES: 48 KOEKSISTER BUTTONS / PREPARATION: 20 MINS / CHILLING: 3 HOURS / RISING: 1 HOUR / COOKING: 30 MINS

We cheated and used readymade bread dough for this recipe. The sesame seeds add a lovely nuttiness to these bite-sized koeksisters.

SUGAR SYRUP 500ml (2c) sugar 250ml (1c) water juice of 1 lemon 1 cinnamon stick 5ml (1t) golden syrup 2,5ml (½t) cream of tartar a pinch of salt 5ml (1t) vanilla essence DOUGH 500g readymade bread dough 5ml (1t) ground cinnamon 2,5ml (½t) mixed spice TO FINISH oil, for deep-frying 30ml (2T) sesame seeds, toasted Grease a large serving tray with nonstick spray.

1 Sugar syrup Put all the ingredients, apart from the vanilla essence, in a saucepan. Heat slowly over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar has dissolved. Simmer slowly for 10 minutes, remove from the heat and add the vanilla.

2 Leave the syrup to cool completely, transfer to a jug and chill in the fridge for about 2 hours.

3 Dough Knead the cinnamon and spices into the dough and roll into small balls. Arrange on the serving tray, cover and leave to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

4 To finish Heat enough oil for deep-frying and fry the balls in batches until golden brown and cooked. Drain on paper towel and submerge the warm balls in the cold syrup.

5 Remove from the syrup, leave to cool completely, then sprinkle the sesame seeds over. Store in an airtight container.