Hot Cross Buns

makes 12

Description/Notes:

Spicy Buns for a Good Friday Breakfast.

Ingredients:

1lb (450g) strong plain flour

1tsp. salt

1tsp. Mixed spice

1tsp. Cinnamon

2oz ( 50g) hard margarine

1 sachet easy blend dried yeast

3oz (75g) sultanas

1oz (25g) chopped mixed peel

2oz (50g) caster sugar

8fl. oz (225ml) milk

1egg, beaten

For crosses and glace- 1tbsp flour and 2tbsp sugar

Cooking Instructions:

Sift flour, salt and spices into a large bowl and rub in margarine
Mix in the yeast, sultanas, peel and sugar
Heat milk to hand temp. and whisk into egg before adding to flour mixture
Mix well
Turn dough on to a floured surface and knead for 10 mins or mix in electric mixer with dough hook for 5mins
Divide dough into 12 even pieces of about 3oz (75g) and form into balls
Arrange in a roasting tin leaving space for spreading although they will join up during baking
Cover with a tea towel and leave to prove in a warm place for about one and a half hours till doubled in bulk
To make crosses mix the flour with about one and a half tbsp. Water to make a thick batter
Fill piping bag ( with a round nozzle) and pipe a neat cross on each bun
Bake at 400F, Gas 6, 200C for 25 minutes
Pull away buns, split and serve plain or toasted with butter