I stopped buying hot cross buns a few years ago and true, it is pretty galling picking up ingredients to make your own when a supermarket pack of six is under a pound - I even think they are currently on offer for 35p for half a dozen in one of the big stores.
But the doughy, spongy, shop bought buns are not a match for the ones you can bake at home and it fills the whole house with a gorgeous smell of spice.
The recipe I have settled on over the last couple of years is one from–sharp intake of breath–Delia Smith. She usually isn't my first port of call but I guess these buns are traditional no nonsense fare and that is her forte.
The only thing that I have changed, other than adding more spice, is the method to make the crosses. The first year I made them using Delia's method, they almost broke your teeth. The second year I used another recipe and they spread over the buns too much. This year I made a really thick paste from flour and water and piped the crosses on using a freezer bag, snipping off the end. Success.
Love them. Easter wouldn't be the same without a pile of these and some salty butter to spread on them.
hi, i made my first batch of hot cross buns today and will never buy again. for my crosses I also piped them and used a paste made from 100g plan flour, pinch of baking powder, pinch of salt 100ml milk and 20g margarine. came out lovely they even rrose a little yummy.
ReplyDeleteGreat tip, will try out on next batch - thank you!
ReplyDeleteLooks lovely!! I have made the same recipe from Delia before! She rocks!
ReplyDeletewow - more hot cross bun goodness. These look fantastic. If I wasn't hosting another dinner party Sat night I'd consider having a crack at these myself.
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