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.
These Grilled Aubergine Rolls Make for a Tasty Lunch!
This recipe will show you how to make some delicious aubergine rolls.
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.
Treat Your Friends to These Delicious Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a major crowd pleaser. Here's how you can make these tasty snacks at home.
This Beef Stroganoff is the Ultimate Comfort Food!
This recipe will show you how to make the ultimate comfort food - beef stroganoff.
These Pecan Cookie Balls Will Become Your Favorite Dessert
This recipe will show you how you can make extremely tasty pecan cookie balls.
This Is How Long You Can Freeze These Foods For!
We all know that freezing food prevents it from rotting. Here's a complete guide to how long you can let different foods stay frozen until they go bad!
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.
What EVERYONE Should Know About Fruits and Veggies
Amazing facts you probably don't know about the best things we should all eat every day.
9 Ice Cream Recipes You Can Make with a Food Processor
9 easy, healthier ice cream recipes that you can prepare in a food processor.
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.
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.
How to Make Delicious Vegan Bolognese
Bolognese is a great comfort food. Most people think that you need to use meat to make a great Bolognese, but, as this recipe proves, this is not the case.
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.
Apparently I've Been Cooking Pasta All Wrong!
I thought I knew how to cook pasta, but apparently I've been doing it wrong!
Make 10 Scrumptious Dishes Using Only 3 Ingredients!
When I watch a cooking show on TV or grab a recipe book, they all look delicious, but each one requires so many ingredients – some of which I can’t even find. Using only 3 ingredients, these recipes will allow you to quickly make mouth watering dishe
How to Create the Perfect Home Pita Bread
If you've never tried pita bread, then you're missing out! This simple pita bread recipe will make you wonder why you never tried this before!
Why Did No One Tell Me That Beer Is So Amazing?
Did you know any of this stunning beer trivia? Frankly, I had no idea that beer was this amazing.
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.
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.
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!
The 12 Best Foods for Your Abs!
Introducing the 12 best foods to burn excess stomach fat and keep your body trimmed and thin.
Here's How to Make the Tastiest Salad Dressing!
These charts briefly explain how best to go about making a variety of delicious salad dressings.
This Has to Be the Most Guilt-Free Bread Recipe Ever!
This cloud bread is carb, gluten and sugar-free. Despite those facts, it's still light, fluffy and utterly mouthwatering. Learn how to bake it today.
This Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese is Simply Delicious
Home-made macaroni and cheese is much tastier than that which you can buy in a store. By using a slow cooker, you can make the tastiest macaroni and cheese ever.
GUIDE: Which Pasta Shape Works Best with Which Sauce?
Pasta shapes aren't just a matter of aesthetics, as different shapes lend themselves to different sauces. Here's what you need to know.
We Bet You've Never Tasted Potatoes As Delicious As These
These are the best potatoes you have ever tasted!
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.
After Reading This, You'll Never Buy Expensive Meat Again!
Do you know what the major difference between a cheap and an expensive cut of meat is? Here are 5 effective methods of making tough cuts of meat taste absolutely heavenly!
I Never Realized You Can Serve a Watermelon Like This!
In this article, you’ll find creative serving suggestions, efficient ways to cut a watermelon, and even a guide to choosing the perfect specimen.
These Home-Made Doughnuts Need Only 2 Ingredients!
Here's a donuts recipe that anyone can succeed with. Master these 2 ingredient donuts and you'll be able to make any kind of donut you wish!
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.
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.
This Amazing Ice-Cream Recipe Comes from the 1700s
This is how Ice-cream was made in the 18th century. It was surprisingly made with Italian Parmesan. You've got to try this savory dessert!
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.
These 10 Superfoods Are Extremely Beneficial to Our Health
These 10 Superfoods are extremely good for you. Read on to find out what they are and how they are beneficial to our bodies.
15 Vegetables You Can Grow in a Garden Pot!
If you would love to grow vegetables, but have a limited amount of space, then we have just the solution for you - vegetables you can grow in a pot.
These Delicious Baked Dishes Have Become Family Favorites
These three, heavenly baked dishes have become family favorites in my kitchen. I encourage you to try them out!
Boost Your Immune Health With This Ayurvedic Drink
Check out this wonderful traditional Ayurvedic drink called kadha that is known to boost immunity and fight the cold.
Who Knew Salad Dressings Could Be So Healthy?
Who knew salad dressings could be so healthy and easy to make?
Cook a Traditional Czech Meal With These 5 Recipes
To enjoy the unique tastes of Czech cuisine, you no longer need to fly abroad. The following recipes will allow you to cook a traditional Czech meal yourself.
Love Ginger Ale? Maybe It's Time You Made Your Own...
2 easy to make recipes for organic ginger ale and ginger beer
Reduce Your Carbs By Choosing the Right Food Alternatives
Reducing our carbohydrate intake is not as hard as it may seem. Find out what healthier alternatives you can make here.
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!
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.
An Italian's Secret to Making the Best Pasta
Follow these tips to prepare an excellent plate of pasta.
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!