Hot Cross Buns

It's nearly Easter and what is more Easter-esque than Hot Cross Buns! Toast 'em and get the kettle on....

Ingredients 450g (1lb) flour (I used white bread flour but feel free to use whatever flour you like, even gluten and/or wheat free) 1tsp salt 7g of yeast 50g (2oz) caster sugar 1 1/2tsp mixed spice 150g (5oz) dried mixed fruit 325ml (11fl oz) lukewarm milk 1tsp white wine vinegar 2 medium eggs, lightly beaten 90ml (3 1/2fl oz) sunflower oil Decoration 3 tbsp flour 3 tbsp milk Glaze 4 tbsp milk 3 tbsp caster sugar

Method

1. Mix the flour, salt, yest, sugar, mixed spice and fruit in a bowl. Make a well in the middle and pour in the milk, eggs and vinegar. Mix with a wooden spoon until almost combined then work in the oil to make a soft, sticky mixture. Spoon into a bun tray and gently mould each bun with the back of a spoon.


2. Cover the tray and leave in a warm place for about an hour for the buns to rise slightly. Make sure the cover doesn't touch the mixture. Towards the end of the rising time preheat the oven to 220oC/Gas 7.


3. Make the decoration by combining the flour and milk in a bowl and put into a a piping bag. Pipe a cross loosely over each bun. Cook for 20 minutes until golden, well risen and firm.


4. Make the glaze by heating the milk and the sugar. Brush the buns when they come out of the oven and leave to cool.


5. Serve, toasted with butter.. yum yum!
   
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