Hardboiled eggs, chocolates and lamb dishes are just some of the common foods you'll find at the Easter table, but there's also another traditional item that's a favorite - hot cross buns! This flavorful treat originated from the Anglo-Saxons and was carried over when people converted to Christianity.
Bread figures in many religious ceremonies across different cultures and Easter is no exception. The holiday's name was derived from the Anglo-Saxon goddess of light and spring, Eostre, and during the ancient period, Easter dishes were served as offerings for her to ensure a fertile harvest. From these dishes, the spicy buns made from a rich dough with currants and cinnamon became the most important item.
The ancient Englishmen used to prepare the buns during Good Friday with the belief that they would not grow mold or expire. The buns were also worn as good luck charms for one year following Good Friday. They also believed that the buns have medicinal properties.
Mary Berry, one of Britain's famous food writers and judge on "The Great British Bake Off," shares that it takes a long time to prepare hot cross buns. However, it is the type of food that is loved by everyone and will taste great with a pat of butter.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, with extra for the bowl or baking sheet
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon milk
2 packages active dry yeast
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons plus one pinch salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
5 1/2 cups all-purpose, plus extra for dusting
1 1/3 cups currants
1 large egg white
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Directions:
1) Butter a large bowl and then set aside.
2) In a saucepan, heat the milk until it's warm to the touch.
3) Pour the milk into a bowl and then slowly add and mix the yeast, sugar, salt, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and eggs.
4) Set the mixer on low and let the mixture form into a soft dough. Add the currants to combine.
5) On a floured surface, begin kneading the dough. Then shape into a big ball.
6) Place the dough into the buttered bowl. Cover tightly and set aside for at least 90 minutes before baking. Better yet, leave it overnight in the fridge for a richer flavor.
7) Prepare the buns for baking by buttering the baking sheet. Then knead the dough ball and divide into smaller pieces to make at least 24 buns. Lay the buns on the sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Set aside for an hour.
8) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, prepare the egg wash and brush the egg wash on the top of the buns.
9) Using a knife, slice a cross on the buns' top as a symbol of Jesus' suffering on the crucifix. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 25 minutes.
10) Prepare the glaze by whisking a tablespoon of milk, some confectioners sugar and lemon juice to spread on top just before serving.
Hot cross buns in the bakery this weekend! And s few today too X #easter #hotcrossbuns
A photo posted by Violet by Claire Ptak (@violetcakeslondon) on Mar 15, 2016 at 3:57am PDT
