Hot cross buns|
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Hot cross buns
A hot cross bun is a type of sweet spiced bun made with currants and leavened with yeast. It has a cross on the top which might be made in a variety of ways: it could be pastry, made from a simple flour and water mixture, cut from rice paper and glazed onto the bun, or simply cut into the bun itself.
In many historically Christian countries, the buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday, with the cross standing as a symbol of Christ. They are believed by some to pre-date Christianity, however, being used in rituals in paganism, though there is no original source and the first recorded use of the phrase is not until 1733. Another urban myth is that the Christian church in England attempted to ban them, but they were too popular, and instead Elizabeth I passed a law permitting their consumption, but only on particular religious occasions such as Easter and Christmas.
In Australia recently a chocolate version of the bun has become popular. They generally contain the same mixture of spices but cocoa is added to the dough and chocolate chips are used instead of currants. This is most likely due to the close association between Easter and chocolate.
Around Easter 2003, the Daily Telegraph among other newspapers, reported that several local authorities in England (in particular Tower Hamlets Borough Council) had banned schools serving hot cross buns on the grounds of political correctness, believing the symbol of the cross could be offensive to non-Christians. This step was widely condemned, most vocally by Ann Widdecombe. As one of the cited councils, that of the City of York, issued a statement making clear that while the buns were not being served, this was for "no particular reason", and accusing the newspaper's reporter of bad faith, the veracity of the entire report was questioned.
The Old Bunn House in Pimlico, London is mentioned by Swift in his Journal to Stella (1712) was a favorite of both George II and George III. This house, while quite a popular establishment in the 19th century, no longer stands.
With mixer running at low speed, add sugar, salt, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and eggs. Gradually add flour, dough will be wet and sticky, and continue kneading with dough hook until smooth, about 5 minutes. Detach bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let the dough \"rest\" for 30-45 minutes.
Return bowl to mixer and knead until smooth and elastic, for about 3 more minutes. Add currants or raisins and knead until well mixed. At this point, dough will still be fairly wet and sticky. Shape dough in a ball, place in a buttered dish, cover with plastic wrap and let rise overnight in the refrigerator (see note at right if you\'re in a hurry). Excess moisture will be absorbed by the morning.
Let dough sit at room temperature for about a half-hour. Line a large baking pan (or pans) with parchment paper (you could also lightly grease a baking pan, but parchment works better). Divide dough into 24 equal pieces (in half, half again, etc., etc.). Shape each portion into a ball and place on baking sheet, about 1/2 inch apart. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
In the meantime, pre-heat oven to 400° F.When buns have risen, take a sharp or serrated knife and carefully slash buns with a cross. Brush them with egg white and place in oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350° F, then Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes more. Transfer to a wire rack. Whisk together glaze ingredients, and spoon over buns in a cross pattern. Serve warm, if possible.
"Hot cross buns" is also a simple song for teaching basic notes for learning various instruments.
The song goes: "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, Hot Cross Buns, Hot Cross Buns"
The alternative lyrics are,
"Hot cross buns, One a penny buns, One a penny, Two a penny, Hot cross buns.
Fresh, sweet buns, Come and buy my buns, One a penny, Two a penny, Fresh, sweet buns.
Nice, light buns, Buy my currant buns, Come and try them, Then you'll buy them, Nice, light buns"