COOKING: Hot Cross Buns

I realised with horror that it was the day before Good Friday and I had not bought any Hot Cross Buns yet! So I jumped onto the ipad and did a search for an easy, foolproof recipe to try.

Yum Yum Yum!

I found this "5 star rated" recipe (the best kind) and was even more delighted to realise I could avoid most of the hard work and put my bread machine into use!

Here is the link:  www.bestrecipes.com.au/recipe/hot-cross-buns-L4760.html

I'll show you the steps.

First I put the dried yeast, plain flour, brown sugar, salt, nutmeg (and I added a teaspoon of cinnamon) sultanas, egg, margarine and water into the bread machine - then selected dough cycle. The dough really rose quite impressively - and this it it before I tipped it out onto the floured bench.

The recipe called for kneading until it is elastic and springs back when pressed. Only took about two minutes.

I tried to portion the dough evenly, but unless you weigh each portion - I think its hard to be exact.

Put them close but not touching on your tray/s.

Cover with clean tea towels and leave in a warm spot for 30 minutes. I chose my sunny outdoor table for the job.

After thirty minutes - they are now just touching.

The crosses are made with a paste of flour, sugar and water. Was like glue!

Pipe across all your buns, one way first,

Then the other.

Not a bad effort, a bit wonky - considering my piping bag was giving me a really hard time, and kept on exploding apart!!!

Baked and glazed.

Really happy - husband said they were very professional looking!

And they tasted really great too! This recipe is a keeper.