Have you ever made delicious hot cross buns?
These Easter treats are soft, slightly sweet, spiced yeast rolls speckled with currants and sometimes candied citron. They're marked with a cross on top (hence the name), which signifies a crucifix, and they are usually eaten on Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday. However, if you're reading this and it's not Good Friday, you're in luck as Queen Elizabeth I's 1592 decree that they can only be eaten on Good Friday, Christmas, and at funerals is no longer enforced. You can enjoy them as often as you like, and with whoever you like.
Hot Cross Buns (Makes 12)
Ingredients
For the Buns
• 1 tablespoon of dried yeast, active
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 4 1/4 fl oz of water, warm
• 12 1/3 oz of strong white flour
• 3 1/2 oz of strong wholemeal flour
• 1 /2 teaspoon of salt
• 2 teaspoons of mixed spice
• 1 3/4 oz of caster sugar
• 2 2/3 oz of sultanas
• 2 2/3 oz of mixed peel
• 4 1/4 fl oz of milk, warm
• 1 3/4 oz of butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten
For the Piping Paste
• 4 tablespoons of flour, white, but unbleached
• 1 tablespoon of caster sugar
• 2 tablespoons of water, cold
For the Glazes
• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of milk to make an egg wash
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of water
Method
1. Combine the dried yeast and sugar in a bowl, then whisk in the warm water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave in a warm place for around 10-15 minutes, until frothy.
2. Sieve the flour into a large mixing bowl, then mix in the salt, sugar, spice and sultanas.
3. Create a well in the middle of the ingredients and use your hands to mix in the frothy yeast mixture. Mix well in order to make a sticky dough.
4. Scatter some flour over a work surface and place the dough on top. Knead with your hands for 5 minutes, or until the dough has become smooth.
5. Grease a bowl with some oil and add the ball of dough. Top the bowl with plastic wrap and let it prove in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Lightly re-dust the work surface with flour and turn out the dough. Knead gently, then roll into a long sausage-shape. Split into 12 even-sized pieces, roll each piece of dough into a ball.
7. Place the balls on a lined baking tray, spacing them so that they are close but not touching. Set aside in a warm place for 45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
8. Meanwhile, make the piping paste and preheat the oven to 428°F.
9. To make the egg wash, beat together the milk and egg yolk.
10. When the buns have finished proving, use a blunt knife to make a cross-shaped indentation on each one. Use a pastry brush to coat with egg wash, then pipe the crosses into the indentations.
11. Bake the buns for around 20 minutes, until they are nicely golden and sound hollow when tapped.
12. Meanwhile, make the glaze. Add the water and sugar to a pan and dissolve over a low heat. As soon as the buns are ready, remove from the oven and brush with the glaze. Allow to cool a bit before serving.
Source: greatbritishchefs
This is How to Make the Perfect Home-Made Tortillas!
Here's how you can make yourself some tasty tortillas at home.
This Summer Squash and Sausage Stew is Tasty and Healthy!
This is how you can make a tasty summer squash and sausage stew at home. This dish is perfect for summer.
These Easy-to-Make Cinnabon Rolls Are Absolutely Delicious
Cinnabon rolls are beyond delicious, especially when they’re smothered in a lot of exquisite frosting. Here's how you can make your own at home.
Treat Yourself and Your Family to Some Delicious Churros
Here's how you can make some delicious churros from the comfort of your own kitchen.
These Grilled Aubergine Rolls Make for a Tasty Lunch!
This recipe will show you how to make some delicious aubergine rolls.
Apparently I've Been Cooking Pasta All Wrong!
I thought I knew how to cook pasta, but apparently I've been doing it wrong!
This Chicken Recipe Will Have Your Taste Buds Thanking You!
Looking for a delicious new and interesting recipe? Try this pineapple and hot pepper chicken and just wait for the compliments to roll in.
Guide: The Right Seasoning Can Do Wonders!
A steak is easy to make. A well seasoned one, though, can make all the difference.
An Innovative Twist Using Eggs for a Healthy Breakfast Idea
Eggs are one of my favorite food. They are so versatile and can be used in a number of ways. Check out this innovative recipe.
A Guide to 7 Unique Tomato Varieties and How to Use Them
Whoa! I never knew there were so many different varieties of tomatoes out there.
11 Unexpected Health Benefits of Drinking Whisky
If you thought whisky was nothing more than an alcoholic drink, you were mistaken. This video will detail the various health benefits you can reap by drinking whisky in moderation.
3 DASH Diet Soups for a Cozy Winter Day
3 recipes for dash diet approved sou[s that will warm up your winter
For a Twist on Carrot Cake, Try These Bite-Sized Cookies
For a delicious twist on carrot cake, try these cookie bites! Perfect for an afternoon snack.
Want to Be a Wine Expert? We've Got You Covered
If you find the world of wine a little bit too tricky at times, then worry no more, since below you'll find a full guide to buying the perfect wine for you.
6 Delicious and Special Soup Recipes That’ll Warm Your Body
The cold winter days that stimulate the senses are perfect for trying these 6 simple, delicious, soul-warming soup recipes.
An Italian's Secret to Making the Best Pasta
Follow these tips to prepare an excellent plate of pasta.
Why You Should NEVER Eat the White Part of Moldy Bread
Many of us simply cut off mold from a slice of bread and eat the rest, but you really shouldn't do that. Find out why in this informative video.
5 Ancient Grains You Never Thought to Have for Breakfast
It’s no secret that one of the hardest things about cooking is deciding what to cook. We’re here to suggest 5 warm breakfasts you never thought of.
Avocados Are Incredibly Versatile, as These 6 Recipes Show
Avocados are more versatile than you ever imagined, and I'm sure these 6 recipes will make you want to include them in your diet from hereon.
Serve Up Fruits and Berries in the Most Delicious Way
Here are three innovative ways to serve up fruit and berries! Dig in and enjoy.
Consuming Too Much of These Healthy Foods Can Be Deadly
While they may appear to be healthy on the surface, you may be surprised to discover just how fatal these 6 foods can be.
3 Glasses of Sunshine: Drink Recipes for the Hot Weather
Spring and summer are on their way, so what better time than to start perfecting your drink making skills. These sunny juices will quench your gaping thirst.
Trying to Cut Meat from Your Life? Try These Substitutes!
Vegetable and plant-based meat substitutes that are juicy, savory and rich in proteins and vitamins.
Who Knew Salad Dressings Could Be So Healthy?
Who knew salad dressings could be so healthy and easy to make?
9 Great Dressing Ideas to Freshen Up Your Salad
Hungry for some juicy salad dressing ideas to spice up your salad? These simple and healthy recipes are just what you need for inspiration!
You Do Not Need Outdoor Space to Grow These Common Fruits
You do not need any outdoor space to grow these delicious, common fruits.
These Are the Healthiest Hash Browns Ever Prepared!
Yes, you can have hash browns for breakfast, with this healthy and delicious cauliflower alternative recipe. Watch and learn!
These Pies Are Truly a Feast for the Eyes and the Stomach!
If you love pies, then you absolutely need to check out these incredibly beautiful pie crusts, which are utter masterpieces.
These Halloween Cupcakes Are Simply the Best!
Halloween is always a fun time of year, but it's about to become more delicious and more fun thanks to this gorgeous trio of cupcakes! Here's the recipe.
Why You Should Never Add Cheddar Cheese To Your Omelet
You can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs, but other than that, how do you make a truly superior omelet every time? This is how...
Make a Delicious and Unexpected Dessert: Apple Blossoms!
It's time to impress your guests with a dessert that isn't just sweet and delicious, but also stunning to look at!
This Is Arguably the Tastiest Carrot Cake You'll Ever Make
Carrot cake is such a wonderful dessert that even people who dislike the funny-shaped root vegetable can't resist it. This easy-to-follow recipe will show you how to make a delicious carrot cake.
You May Have Never Heard of These Delicious Fruits...
These delicious, exotic fruits are not something you see every day, but are worth investigating for their terrific taste.
The Perfectly Seared Steak: All You Need to Know
Now that its winter, our steak cooking options are fairly limited to the stove and oven, but this isn’t a bad thing...
Ancient Recipe Corner: Old Timey Festive Buttered Beer
Whip out your pewter pots for this medieval recipe! We'll be making buttered beer, with a non-alcoholic version included.
5 Best Ways to Prepare Fish While Keeping them Nutritious
In this article, we'll explore the eight most common ways of preparing fish and their effects on this beloved and healthy food.
Love Ginger Ale? Maybe It's Time You Made Your Own...
2 easy to make recipes for organic ginger ale and ginger beer
Here's How You Can Dice Green Onions Like a Professional
Prepare to take your cooking skills to the next level by learning about the correct way to dice green onions.
Cooking Mistakes: Keep These Foods Out of the Microwave!
It may seem like a good idea to reheat the following foods in microwave, but doing so could actually be a health hazard. Read on to learn more.
This is the Fluffiest Omelet You'll EVER Make!
If you like your breakfast eggs fluffy but juicy, don't miss out on this mouthwatering Soufflé Omelet recipe!
You've Got to Try these Delicious and Comforting Winter Salads
These hearty, comforting salads will take your mind off classic winter, comfort food.
Which Wine Pairs Well with Which Cheese? Here’s the Guide
Pairing the perfect wine to a slab of cheese is an art form that can truly elevate the taste of both. Here's how it's done.
Try This Easy Yet Heavenly Almond and Pastry Dessert Recipe
At a glance, the pastry may look complicated to make, but it is actually quite easy. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make it.
8 Foods That Make for the Most Filling Low-Calorie Snacks
Do you want to control your weight? Our list of top 8 most filling foods ranks the ones with the lowest calories!
Surprise Your Sweetheart With a Valentine’s Day Breakfast
All of these recipes are simple in preparation, but very different in taste and food preferences. Find the perfect one for your special someone...
This Crispy Lemon Pie Is Made From Just One Batter!
It's hard to believe how this delicious dessert's creamy filling and perfect crunchy crust is made. Take a look and save the recipe.