Baking and Sweet Recipes - [10 recipes]

 

Mouth-watering recipes for baked goods including confectionary, cakes, sweets (candy), koeksisters,  vetkoek,  melktert  and tameletjie.  Although breads and many desserts are baked they are not included here, we have put them in their own categories.

In humid climates, you will need to protect your baked goods from the moisture in the air - rather than going stiff when stale, they will become mushy and lose their crispness. Keep cookies in ziplock bags until needed.

Premade sandwiches that are designed to be microwaved are specially formulated not to be ruined by the microwave oven. Regular pastries do not do well being reheated in a microwave - they become soggy and/or stiff and chewy. If you want to reheat a pastry item, an oven on warm will do less damage, but watch it carefully - it can quickly dry out.

 

Cake recipes are an integral part of celebrations and the simple appearance of one can make any day special. There are many varieties to choose from, including layer, sheet, or cupcake styles with flavours ranging from the richest chocolate to creamy vanilla to fun fruity blends. The many decorative accents can make them a work of art. The very best cakes offer something special, whether it’s a favorite flavour, an acknowledgement of a holiday or accomplishment, or a beautiful centerpiece that is also a lovely treat.

While cake recipes may initially seem easy to create, there are several tricks clever bakers should be aware of before attempting them.

• Follow the recipe carefully. Many cakes rely on specific textures for their best taste and texture is easily affected by over-beating, over- or under-baking, or changing the sizes of the appropriate pans.
• Make appropriate adjustments for high altitude locations, different size pans, or alternative ingredients. The recommended adjustments have been formulated to keep the taste and texture identical to the ideal baking conditions and should always be followed for the best result.
• Cool the cake completely before frosting. Frosting can melt when warmed, making it more difficult to adhere and especially problematic for fine icing details.
• Freeze unfrosted cakes for longer storage. If wrapped thoroughly and frozen promptly, it can last for several weeks. Frosted ones can also be frozen if necessary, but freeze prior to wrapping to avoid damaging the icing.
• Pay careful attention to appearance. Cakes are very visual foods that are often created as elaborate centerpieces for holidays or special occasions. No matter how delicious they are, a sloppy, unkempt appearance can spoil it.

Cheese Shortcrust Pastry

Posted on the 22nd of Oct 2009

This cheese shortcrust pastry recipe is a suitable substitute for ordinary shortcrust pastry in many savoury recipes. Shortcrust pastry is the easiest pastry to make. It is a versatile pastry as it can be used for both savoury and sweet dishes...

Total Views: 66 | Word Count: 354 | Comments: 0 | Not Yet Rated

Cinnamon Sugar

Posted on the 22nd of Oct 2009

Cinnamon sugar is a mixture of ground cinnamon and granulated sugar used as a spice for desserts. While premixed versions are available commercially, it is simple to prepare at home, and more economical...

Total Views: 89 | Word Count: 193 | Comments: 0 | Not Yet Rated

Jam Tarts

Posted on the 20th of Nov 2009

These melt-in-the-mouth jam tarts are made using the puff pastry recipe listed on this site and can be filled with any jam. Use two or three different jams to add colour...

Total Views: 572 | Word Count: 243 | Comments: 0 | Not Yet Rated

Koeksisters

Posted on the 22nd of Oct 2009

The sweet taste of these twisted plaits of golden dough soaked in thick syrup until translucent makes them a great favourite in South Africa. The secret of their success, is in preparing the syrup a day ahead and chilling it before dipping the koeksisters...

Total Views: 592 | Word Count: 878 | Comments: 0 | Not Yet Rated

Koesisters

Posted on the 23rd of Oct 2009

Spongier, plumper and spicier than koeksisters - and never plaited - sometimes made with the addition of cooked potato and covered in dessicated coconut after soaking in syrup - these traditional Sunday morning Cape Malay treats are a delight to the palate...

Total Views: 301 | Word Count: 476 | Comments: 0 | Not Yet Rated

Milk Tart

Posted on the 23rd of Oct 2009

Milk tart, sprinkled with cinnamon, is a traditional South African specialty that’s best home made but is available at any bazaar cake table, home industry or supermarket...

Total Views: 177 | Word Count: 406 | Comments: 0 | Not Yet Rated

Milk Tart 1

Posted on the 23rd of Oct 2009

Milk tart is the most famous South African sweet tart. This is a really great recipe using puff or flaky pastry that can easily be doubled if you are having people over...

Total Views: 375 | Word Count: 438 | Comments: 0 | Not Yet Rated

Puff Pastry

Posted on the 20th of Nov 2009

Puff pastry is a type of traditional French pastry which is made by repeatedly folding a dough around a block of butter. When the pastry cooks, steam trapped inside the dough separates the folded layers, creating a puffy, flaky finished product...

Total Views: 199 | Word Count: 557 | Comments: 0 | Not Yet Rated

Quick Flaky Pastry

Posted on the 20th of Nov 2009

Quick flaky pastry, a quick and easy alternative to puff pastry, inflates into crisp shells with tender interiors. It is a versatile pastry as it can be used for both savoury and sweet dishes...

Total Views: 198 | Word Count: 234 | Comments: 0 | Not Yet Rated

Turkish Delight

Posted on the 22nd of Oct 2009

Turkish Delight is easy to make at home. Rosewater can be found at specialty food stores. When the sugar syrup boils, coat the inside of the saucepan with a brush dipped in water to prevent sugar crystals from forming...

Total Views: 658 | Word Count: 302 | Comments: 2 | Not Yet Rated

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