Such Is {a crafty} Life

Hot Cross Buns!

Ahhhhhhhh i love hearing that song played on the recorder. It just reminds me of my childhood. :) Hot Cross Buns are just the perfect comfort food don't you think? Last night was our Easter FHE lesson so i figured i'd make them for the treat. We had the lesson complete with paper cut outs about how Jesus died and was placed in the tomb and on the 3rd day he was resurrected. Then we discussed the symbols of Easter. And how we eat Hot Cross Buns on Good Friday because they have the cross on them that symbolises the crucifixion. Then we, well Graham and I ate a hot cross bun that i made from scratch in my breadmaker. Ethan was opposed to homemade ones for some reason. *rolls eyes* I have to say they were delishious! So good. Here's the recipe -

In your breakmaker place these ingredients in this order -

1 egg
2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
60g brown sugar ( i'm wondering if i can replace this with honey...something to experiment with next time)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
520g whole wheat plain flour
2.5 teaspoons dry yeast
310ml warm water

Select your dough cycle. 15 minutes into the cycle add 3/4 cup mixed dried fruit or just sultanas if you don't like fruit peel.

At the end of your dough cycle it will be REALLY puffy. Mine was almost spilling over. lol Take it out and gently kneed on a floured surface for a couple of minutes. Just until it's not sticky. Divide into balls however big you want them and place them on a greased tray. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

In a small bowl mix together -

80g plain flour
80ml water
1 teaspoon sugar

Put into a piping bag and pipe on the crosses on top of your buns.

Put them in a preheated 180C oven and cook for 25 minutes. When they come out of the oven you can put a glaze on them or leave them.

Glaze -
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon gelatin

Combine and heat on Medium for 1-2 minutes in the microwave. Brush over hot buns.

I didn't do the glaze because i was lazy.

Serve your buns cut in half and spread with real butter. *drool* try not to eat them all at once.