Happy Easter x

I should have known better than to stray from a recipe my mum recommended to me,

but last weekend, I felt the urge to explore different a different method.

A foolish maneuver to pull for such an important event...

The Bun Off

My boyfriend was wise enough to use his mothers recipe of 3 generations and came out trumps.

My attempt was swiftly tossed in the bin, never to be spoked of again.

The following day, with a clear head and mums tried and true recipe,

I had a somewhat 'magical' turnaround. 

We had already declared the Bun Off Champion though,

to the first time hot cross bun maker, Andrew.

Ingredients...

1 cup milk

1/2 cup hot water

2 tbsp dried yeast

2 tbsp sugar

2 cups flour

100g butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp mixed spice

1 tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp cocoa

1 tsp vanilla essence

1 cup dried fruit (I used 1 cup sultanas plus a tbsp grated orange zest)

2 1/2 cups flour

Mix the milk, hot water and 2 tbsp of sugar in a metal bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over wet mix and leave to stand until bubbles appear on the surface. Add 2 cups flour to this at leave to stand again.

Cream butter, remaining sugar and egg as well as spices, salt and vanilla. 

Combine the two mixtures and add the dried fruit. The fold in the 2 1/2 cups flour.

Mix until a soft dough form then knead well (5 minutes) on a floured surface.

Dust a clean metal bowl with a little flour and leave to double in size in a draught free spot. 

(Our flat is super cold, so I pre-heat the oven to 50 C then turn it off just before leaving the dough in there).

Knead once more, then cut into roughly 20 pieces or so, roll into balls and place on lined baking trays.

Leave to rise again, until almost doubled in size.

Cut the crosses on top and bake in oven at 225 C for 12 - 15 minutes. 

Glaze with 2 tbsp of sugar mixed with 1 1/2  tsp hot water.

Serve with lashings of butter and enjoy.