Hot Cross Buns

You’ll Need:

# 1lb (450g) strong plain flour
# 1tsp. salt
# 1tsp. Mixed spice
# 1tsp. Cinnamon
# 2oz ( 50g) hard margarine
# 1 sachet easy blend dried yeast
# 3oz (75g) sultanas
# 1oz (25g) chopped mixed peel
# 2oz (50g) caster sugar
# 8fl. oz (225ml) milk
# 1egg, beaten
# For crosses and glace- 1tbsp flour and 2tbsp sugar

Procedures : # Sift flour, salt and spices into a large bowl and rub in margarine
# Mix in the yeast, sultanas, peel and sugar
# Heat milk to hand temp. and whisk into egg before adding to flour mixture
# Mix well
# Turn dough on to a floured surface and knead for 10 mins or mix in electric mixer with dough hook for 5mins
# Divide dough into 12 even pieces of about 3oz (75g) and form into balls
# Arrange in a roasting tin leaving space for spreading although they will join up during baking
# Cover with a tea towel and leave to prove in a warm place for about one and a half hours till doubled in bulk
# To make crosses mix the flour with about one and a half tbsp. Water to make a thick batter
# Fill piping bag ( with a round nozzle) and pipe a neat cross on each bun
# Bake at 400F, Gas 6, 200C for 25 minutes
# Pull away buns, split and serve plain or toasted with butte