Hot Cross Buns

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For the yeast batter for 12 persons you need is:
1 tablespoon of dried yeast (don’t use old stuff that’s been hanging around)
1 teaspoon of sugar
8fl.ozs (200ml) tepid hot milk and water mixed
4ozs (112g) strong white flour

For the rest what you need is:
12ozs (336g) strong white flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon mixed spice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2ozs (56g) butter
2ozs (56g) sugar
6ozs (168g) dried fruit
1 medium egg beaten (but not killed)

What you do is:

  • If you have guests depending on this, rush down to Tesco and buy some hot xb's just in case this excursion into baking goes "belly up".
  • First you have to a batter like this:.
  • Stir the dried yeast and sugar into the milk/water liquid leaving it to stand for 5 minutes. (or give it a seat if you are feeling sorry for it).
  • After 5 minutes stir in the flour (that’s the 4ozs) and leave it in a warm place until its gone frothy man (about 25 minutes).
  • Meanwhile Sift together the 12ozs flour salt and spices and rub in the margarine to bread-crumb consistency. Stir in the sugar and fruit Add the yeast batter, flour, egg and mix carefully to a soft dough.
  • Knead until smooth and no longer sticky.
  • Cover and leave in a warm place to rise and double in size (about 1½ hours)
  • When risen knock the dough back and divide it into 12 pieces. Roughly 3ozs (84g) in size Its best to use a sharp knife for this.
  • Shape the pieces into buns and place well apart on a greased baking tray.
  • To make the "cosses" cut across the buns in a cross shape then use a flour water mixture (2 tablespoons of each), place crosses on each bun over the "cut crosses".
  • Leave to rise again (just like Jesus did) in a warm place for 40 minutes
  • Lightly brush the tops with sugar water to give a glaze effect.
  • Cook on the bottom shelf of a pre-heated oven at 220°C for 15 minutes (fan ovens about ten minutes).
  • Turn out onto a wire rack, the buns that is not you.