Alison Holsts Hot Cross Buns Recipes

HOT CROSS BUNS

Steps:

• Add the milk and 50ml water to a small pan and place over a low heat for a few minutes, or until slightly warm - you should be able to dip your finger in without scalding it.
• Add the butter to a separate pan and place over a low heat for a few minutes, or until melted, then set aside.
• Transfer the warmed milk mixture to a medium bowl and stir in the yeast.
• Sift the flour into a large bowl, then add 1 teaspoon of sea salt, the spices, a few good scrapings of nutmeg and the sugar. Finely chop the stem ginger and stir it into the mix.
• Make a well in the centre and pour in the melted butter, followed by the yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add it to the bowl.
• Using a fork, mix well until you have a rough dough, then transfer to a clean flour dusted work surface and knead for around 10 minutes, or until soft and springy.
• Return the dough to a flour-dusted bowl, cover with a damp tea towel and leave to prove in a warm place for at least an hour, or until doubled in size.
• Transfer the dough to a clean flour dusted work surface. Knock the air out by bashing it with your fist, then sprinkle over the dried fruit and mixed peel and knead into the dough for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 190ºC/375ºF/Gas 5. Grease and line a large baking tray.
• Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a ball, evenly spacing them out on the tray as you go.
• Cover with the tea towel and leave in a warm place for a further 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
• Place the plain flour and 2 tablespoons water into a small bowl and mix to a thick paste.
• Gently pat down the risen buns then use the batter to carefully trace a cross over the top with a piping bag or spoon.
• Place the buns into the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Transfer to a wire cooling rack, brush over a little honey to glaze, then leave to cool.
• Slice open the sticky hot cross buns, spread with a little butter and serve - delicious

ALISON HOLST'S HOT CROSS BUNS

Steps:

• Measure the yeast mixture, flour, brown sugar and salt into a large bowl. Stir to mix and then add the cold milk followed by the boiling water. Stir thoroughly to mix.
• Leave to stand for 3 minutes. Melt the butter and assemble the rest of the ingredients.
• Once the 3 minutes is up, stir in the rest of the ingredients except for the flour.
• Now add as much flour as need to make a dough just firm enough to turn out on a board and knead. [The original recipe suggests 3 cups. I needed 4.].
• Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until smooth and satiny and it springs back when you press it with a finger.
• Oil a large bowl and turn the dough ball in this until it is all coated. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and leave to stand until it doubles it original bulk.
• Turn out on a floured board, knead lightly and cut into 30 evenly sized pieces.
• Form each piece into a ball and arrange the buns in rows in a dish or pan with at least 1 cm between them. A roasting dish works well and takes about 15 buns.
• Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F and when ready turn the heat down to 200°C/400°F.
• Put crosses on the buns.Make a paste of the flour and oil and then add enough water to make a dough that can be forced out of an icing bag. Pipe the crosses on the buns.
• Put the buns in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until they brown slightly and feel firm. Remove from oven and glaze with a hot syrup made by heating sugar and water.
• Cool buns on a rack. Store in airtight containers when cold.
• If you want to make a smaller quantity, halve the ingredients except for the egg. You may need more flour.