Spiced Buns

Welcome! Today I will share with you the recipe for an iconic dish from English culture, which has been joyfully adopted by many Christian countries: Hot Cross Buns. These sweet, spiced rolls are recognized by the distinctive cross that marks their top. Baked on Good Friday, these buns symbolize the Cross of Jesus and his crucifixion, having a profound significance. In English folklore, there are a number of interesting superstitions related to these buns, such as the belief that if they are baked on Good Friday, they will not spoil or go moldy throughout the entire year. In some traditions, Hot Cross Buns are believed to have medicinal properties, and the cross on them should be kissed before consumption.

To prepare these delicious buns, we start by making the dough starter. In a bowl, we put 100 ml of warm milk, add fresh yeast and a teaspoon of sugar, then a teaspoon of flour. We mix well and let the starter rise until it becomes frothy. Meanwhile, we take care of the other ingredients. In a large bowl, we put 500 g of flour, 75 g of sugar, a teaspoon of cinnamon, half a teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. We mix these dry ingredients to ensure the flavors are well distributed.

Once the starter is ready, we add it to the flour mixture, along with 200 ml of warm milk, melted (but cooled) butter, and a lightly beaten egg. We mix the ingredients until well combined, then add 150 g of raisins or candied fruits, depending on preference, and start kneading the dough. We continue kneading until the dough becomes elastic and soft. If necessary, we can add a little more flour to achieve the desired consistency.

After kneading the dough, we cover it with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume. This process takes about 1 hour. Once the dough has risen, we gently knock it down to release the air and divide it into 12 equal pieces. We shape each piece into a ball and place them in a baking tray lined with oiled parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to rise again.

We let the buns rise again for about 1 hour. After they have risen, we use a knife to make a cross on each bun, a symbol of tradition. We brush them with beaten egg to give them a golden color and bake them in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 25-30 minutes, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Once cooled, we can prepare a glaze of sugar and water, which we apply in the shape of a cross over each bun.

These Hot Cross Buns are delicious both plain and spread with butter, and will surely bring a touch of tradition and flavor to any meal. Enjoy them with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: - 500 g white flour - 250 ml warm sweet milk - 60 g sugar - 25 g fresh yeast - 100 g melted but cool butter - 2 eggs (one for the dough and one for brushing the buns); - 100 g raisins - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon cloves - 1/4 teaspoon allspice - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt *for the glaze: - 1 tablespoon of milk or cream mixed with 50 g sugar until it becomes a paste

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