Tag: Currants

Today is Good Friday, which means it’s about time I shared a recipe for Hot Cross Buns!

Hot Cross Buns are a sweet slightly spiced bun with dried fruit. A cross made of icing is piped on top. They are traditionally made and served on Good Friday as a way to break the fasting associated with Lent. There are a bunch of superstitions surrounding hot cross buns. My favorite is that gifting a hot cross bun on Good Friday guarantees friendship between the recipient and gift giver for the year.

Hot Cross Buns aren’t exactly the easiest recipe; it took me most of the day to make them because you need time to let the dough rise. But these tasty little guys are worth it.

Bob’s Red Mill hooked me up with some of their awesome products to help make these hot cross buns, including active dry yeast, all-purpose flour, and currants.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 1/2 teaspoons Bob’s Red Mill active dry yeast 
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus more as needed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups Bob’s Red Mill unbleached all-purpose flour (13 ounces)
• 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup Bob’s Red Mill black currants
• 1 egg beaten, for brushing
• 1 tablespoon whole milk, for brushing

Icing:

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon finely gated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

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