“Hot cross buns! Hot cross buns!
One a penny two a penny – Hot cross buns
If you have no daughters, give them to your sons
One a penny two a penny – Hot cross buns “~ Nursery Rhyme
Lenten Hot Cross Buns
The hot cross bun is made from rich yeast dough that is spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg or mace and contains raisins or currants. In Christian households, this bun, whose cross symbolizes the crucifixion, is typically eaten throughout the Lenten season.
There are some interesting superstitions about hot cross buns.
- Supposedly, if you share a bun with another person, this will ensure friendship throughout the coming year.
- If these buns are taken on a sea voyage, they will protect the boat from a shipwreck.
- If a bun is hung in your kitchen, it will protect against fires and ensure that all baked bread will turn out perfectly.
A fond memory from my childhood is eating these delicious buns with our “name” eggs for Easter Sunday breakfast.
The recipe for these hot cross buns, which received rave reviews, comes from Britain’s master baker Paul Hollywood.
One of the things I remember about many hot cross buns was that the dough was dry. The diced apple in this dough helps to keep it very moist.
I did not follow the recipe regarding the application of the cross. The hot cross buns that I am familiar with always had a cross made out of icing. In England, the cross is made with a flour paste that is piped on the top of each bun before baking.
For the icing, mix together 1 1/2 cups of confectioner’s sugar with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. Adjust the consistency as necessary before piping on the buns.
For the complete list of ingredients and baking instructions go here.
