Benoekie to get a new coat of icing

The Citizen

18-06-2025

Benoekie to get a new coat of icing
At the beginning of last year, Westdene baker Yolandi Palmer went on a baking frenzy, endeavouring to create the biggest shortbread-sugar cookie, worthy of Guinness Book of Records recognition.
George's Bread & Co, at the K90 Centre, supported the owner of Rain Baking's vision, donating baking supplies as well making its industrial kitchen available for Yolandi to whip up her giant delicacy.
Through careful assembly, the Giant Benoekie (Benoni koekie), as it was dubbed, went on sale, on February 17 at Grasslands Driving Range.
Measuring 2.7m x 1.5m and consisting of 82 eggs, 12kg of butter and 20.5kg of flour, covered in 50kg of royal icing, sales of the biscuit generated R7 000.
Proceeds were donated to local charity organisations Huis Thandi, Huis Charis Youth Centre and Clean Projects.
Scrutinising her recipe and dabbling with quantities, Yolandi once again emerged from her kitchen with a plume of flour, announcing that she would showcase the Benoekie 2.0 and official record attempt, at the Benoni Beer and Gin Festival, at Benoni Northerns, on June 1.
Cracking 350 eggs while 26kg of sugar and 52kg of butter was creamed, 37 pans containing cookie dough were once again wheeled into the pre-heated ovens at George's.
Sadly, Guinness Book of Records pulled their noses up at the 5.4m x 3m cookie.
In their response to Yolandi's entry, the international committee elected not to enter the attempt, citing that a sugar cookie variant category is not currently available and that one will not be created in the foreseeable future.
Despite having her dreams dashed, sales of the scrumptious biscuit raised in excess of R18 000.
Funds raised were donated to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Stand Against Suicide and iKhaya da Luz Children's Home.
Now, more than a year after her first attempt, Yolandi wants to use her famed Benoekie as a vehicle to aid communities as well as community projects throughout South Africa.
'Guinness Book of Records may not have taken the sweet bait but that did not cause my vigour to crumble,' she said, a hint of excitement gleaming in her eyes.
'The Benoekie project proved two things; it has the aroma of being a great fundraising tool and has the potential of unifying a community to rise.'
Keeping the oven door securely closed on what's cooking in her recipe book of surprises, she said the proof will definitely be in the pudding.
'I am planning to whip up an exciting new Benoekie project but before I can crack any eggs, I need to enlist the help of administrative guru's,' she said.
'I am looking for a legal-eagle, who would be able to assist in trademarking the Benoekie thus, keeping it as secure as a granny's secret ingredients. I am also looking for a magic marketer who could help me in marketing the roll-out of the next chapter of the project.'
Anyone willing to assist is urged to contact Yolandi on 076 500 4393 or email [e-mail].
ALSO READ: Benoekie 2.0 cake sale a success
ALSO READ: FOLLOW-UP: That's the way the cookie crumbles for charity!
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