South African Rusks – Biscuits

May 15, 2023May 15, 20230 16

Delicious South African rusks recipe for your breakfast tea

by The Chefin Biscuits

Prep

25 min

Cook

90 min

Ready In

120 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

about 30

Calories

Sugar

Fat

3.6g

South African rusks are a popular breakfast treat in South Africa. They are essentially twice-baked biscuits that are often dipped in coffee or tea to make them soft before eating. Rusks are a convenient food for travelers and hikers, as they can be stored for long periods of time without going bad. Traditionally, they are made with buttermilk and flavored with dried fruits and nuts, but there are many variations of the recipe. Today's recipe uses white wine vinegar and caster sugar for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Instructions

1.	Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease two loaf tins.
2.	Cream the butter and extra butter until light and creamy, then add the caster sugar and mix well.
3.	In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt and baking powder, before adding it to the butter mixture.
4.	Mix the white wine vinegar with the milk and add to the mixture, mixing everything until combined.
5.	Divide the mixture evenly between the loaf tins and place in the oven for 60-90 minutes, or until golden brown.
6.	Once cooked, remove from the tins and leave to cool before cutting into fingers and placing on a baking sheet.
7.	Dry out the rusks at 100°C for 8-12 hours, depending on your preferred level of dryness.

PROS

South African rusks are a delicious and satisfying breakfast treat that can be enjoyed with coffee or tea.
They are easy to make and can be stored for long periods of time, making them a convenient breakfast option.

CONS

These rusks are high in sugar and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
They also require a significant amount of time to prepare and dry out in the oven, which may not be suitable for those with tight schedules.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While South African rusks are not the healthiest breakfast option, they do offer some nutritional benefits. The high calorie and sugar content can provide energy for the day ahead, whilst the milk and white wine vinegar provide a source of calcium and healthy acids. The rusks also contain baking powder, which can help to neutralize stomach acid and aid in digestion.

	250 g butter
	25 g butter ( extra )
	750 g plain flour
	460 g caster sugar
	1 teaspoon salt
	2 teaspoons baking powder
	400 ml milk
	2 tablespoons white wine vinegar ( or you can use red )