Good Friday Recipe: Hot Cross Buns

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup raisins or currants
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for the cross)
• 2 tablespoons water (for the cross)
• 1/4 cup apricot jam (for glazing)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the melted butter, egg, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Stir in the raisins or currants.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a greased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each bun.
7. Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup of flour and 2 tablespoons of water to form a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag or plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
10. Pipe crosses onto the top of each bun.
11. Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. While the buns are still warm, heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan until melted. Brush the melted jam over the tops of the buns to glaze.
13. Serve the hot cross buns warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this Good Friday tradition.