FOLLOW-UP: That’s the way the cookie crumbles for charity!
Sales of the giant Benoekie raised an estimated R7 000, for three local charity organisations.
Careful planning, precise measuring and unbridled enthusiasm were the key ingredients which led to the successful completion of the giant Benoekie.
For the past month, Yolandi Palmer has been fine-tuning her recipe to create the giant sugar cookie, as a trial run for a Guinness Book of Records attempt later in the year.
Bearing a broad smile, Yolandi welcomed curious onlookers to Grasslands Driving Range on February 17, where portions of the decadent cookie, smothered in royal icing, were sold in aid of Huis Thandi, Huis Charis Youth Centre and Clean Projects.
“I cannot believe that the day has finally arrived and I have this huge cookie to show for it,” she said.
“I was stressed beyond belief but thanks to the support of the community, local business, The Humanity Foundation and George’s Bread & Co we now have a clear understanding of what is needed to endeavour the record attempt.”
Donning her Rain Baking apron, the Westdene resident, assisted by George’s Bread & Co’s head baker Albertus Kleynhans, spent Valentine’s Day in the outlet’s kitchen, mixing, rolling and baking the now famous biscuit.
“I felt like a little kid playing in a huge playground. The industrial equipment did what would have taken an entire week, in just two days,” she said moments before wheeling her creation into the oven.
“This entire experience has taught me so much. I have learnt a great deal about my abilities as well as the love and support of Benoni. I have grown tremendously as a person as well as in my faith.”
Catching up with the sprightly baker on February 19, Yolandi said that the sale raised an estimated R7 000.
“Portions of the unsold Benoekie were donated to local charity organisations to be shared with their beneficiaries,” she said.
Giving a final round-up, Yolandi said it consisted out of 82 eggs, 12kg of butter and 20.5kg of flour.
A further 50kg of royal icing was luxuriously spread across the top and was adorned with fondant hearts meticulously created by her son and daughter.
“The entire biscuit measured 2.7 x 1.5m,” said Yolandi.
Taking a nibble of her creation, she thanked all those involved for their support.
“I cannot wait to see what we will achieve with the record attempt.”
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