The Magic of Helga's Roosterbrood

Helga is spoiling me.  There were so many people at the induction I didn't get any roosterbrood.  So a week later Helga had to make some especially for me (and the family).

2.5 kg of flower, yeast, sugar (to taste), water and ... not sure because Helga is a REALLY GOOD cook.  When you ask her ingredients she has to stop and really think about it since it is intuitive to her, and don't even bother asking quantities- she just gives you a look...  You are just supposed to KNOW. 

You gotta mix it by hand.

You gotta get it good and sticky.

Then you let it sit.

When it has risen twice the size it was, or so...

You punch it some more.

In the meantime, you need to have started a "medium" braai- not too cold, not too hot, just right.

Josey is supposed to be cleaning the grill.  

I think he is really trying to see if he can set the paper on fire  WITHOUT burning his fingers.  

Kids are kids...

When it is ready you take a piece and shape it into a long flat log.

Add a layer of flour on your hands and the bread to keep it from sticking and help it form.

Then cut it with a knife into the size of the bread you want to grill.

Then you put it on the braai and you keep turning it until it is golden brown on all sides.  Helga says the secret is turning it with your hands so you can feel when it is light and therefore done on the inside- and the secret to turning it with your hands without getting burnt is to have the dough all over your hands!

While cooking it briefly looks like a fine melting brie.

Auntie Joey (who lives next door) is helping Helga because you can never have enough help with roosterbrood- or enough friends to share it with.

It smells and looks almost as good as it tastes.  You cut it in half and then the best butter is slathered in the middle while it is nice and hot so it melts into all the nooks and crannies.  YUMMMMM!!