AmaPotchefstroom: Here’s how to bake one of Potch’s favourite treats
AmaPotchefstrooms are a form of sweet scones that are most widely available and sold in townships.
One of Potchefstroom’s most loved baked goods is without a doubt the always tasty treat known as AmaPotchefstroom or diPotche.
Some call it “Amakhekhe” “Potch koekies” or “Potchefstroompies” depending on your culture or language.
Essentially AmaPotchefstrooms are a form of sweet scones that are most widely available and sold in townships. Many people grew up with diPotche cakes/cookies, with them being served at events/gatherings on a regular basis.
DiPotche came into existence in 1953 in the then Willem Klopperville. The recipe spread to Ikageng and is even well known in Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
AmaPotchefstrooms has also played a big part on a socio-economic level to stimulate income for many families.
Even in Gauteng, most people would call these sweet scones “AmaPotchefstroom” – this serves as a testament to their popularity and roots in Potchefstroom.
This firm favourite is the perfect accompaniment with tea for an afternoon or brunch snack, but it’s versatility and shape makes for easy consumption any time of the day.
Most traditional English scones would be served with cream or jam, but AmaPotchefstrooms can actually be enjoyed without any condiments – it depends on your preference.
Any true Potchefstroomer should at least have try one of these once!
AmaPotchefstrooms recipe (mzansistylecuisine.co.za/Thuli Gogela)
2½ cups cake flour (750ml)
200ml white sugar
15ml (1Tbsp) baking powder
100g baking margarine
200ml full cream milk
1 egg
5ml (1tsp) caramel essence
Glaze
30 ml (1Tbsp) apricot jam
60ml tap water
Method:
- Sift dry ingredients together.
- Rub butter into flour until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs
- Mix milk, egg and essence.
- Cut into the dry ingredient. Do not over mix.
- Turn out onto a floured surface and press lightly together
- Cut with a big cookie cutter
- Place scones on a greased baking tray and bake at 190ºC for 15-20 minutes.
- Mix glaze ingredients and brush over the scones immediately after taking them out of the oven.
Source: https://www.mzansistylecuisine.co.za/amakhekhe-amapotchefstroom-township-scones/
