In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients (flour, salt, sugar and yeast).

Add the egg, melted butter and lukewarm water and mix until a sticky dough begins to form. Transfered to a floured surface and knead the dough. As Mama said, "The secret lies in the way you knead it." Knead until a soft dough forms, adding flour or water as necessary. I often let the dough rest for a few minutes (while I wash the mixing bowl) and continue to knead the dough, which is now a bit softened.

Transfer the dough to a clean, oiled mixing bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours

Once the dough is ready, stretch it into a long rope and divide it into 24 equal pieces. As you cook, the remaining donuts will continue to rise and become more oval in shape.

Warm the oil over medium-high heat. Throw a small piece of dough into the hot oil to see if it is ready. Add a few pieces of dough in at a time and fry until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel.

After all the dough has been fried, heat 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and 1 cinnamon stick in a saucepan over medium heat until boiling, stirring continuously to stop the sugar from burning. Let it boil for 2 more minutes until it is slightly sticky.

Add the fried dough (a few at a time) to the boiling syrup for 1-2 minutes then remove and roll in the shredded coconut. Continue until all the koeksisters have been made. Serve hot with some milky, sweet rooibos tea--South African style 🙂Bon appetit!