The baking thread

[PAG]

I've recently gotten more into baking, typically loaves of bread or rolls. A week or so ago, M'Sahib sent me a photo of 'hot cross buns' which for some reason appealed to her. I must have eaten them but not for many years, and certainly never made them.

Quick 'Google', and of course they are traditionally eaten on Good Friday. Given that it's next week, decided to have a dummy run today.

Gathered the makings. Bread flour, milk, castor sugar, cinnamon, all spice, salt, orange zest, raisins, egg, butter and yeast.



Everything into the bowl of a stand mixer and kneaded for 5 minutes.



Then on it's first 'prove' covered in the same bowl. Instead of using clingfilm, I use shower cap, much better for getting on and off.



After one hour its doubled in size.



Turned out onto a floured surface, deflated, shaped into a log and cut into 12 roughly equal pieces.



Each piece shaped into a ball, and placed on a paper lined baking tray, then covered in oiled clingfilm and left for 2nd prove of 40 minutes.



Piped the 'crosses' on the top of the buns. The 'crosses' are just a mix of flour and water, made into a paste.



20 minutes or so in the oven, and they're done.



Whilst still hot, glazed them with a mix of water and apricot jam.



Turned out pretty good, and worth it for the smell of cinnamon coming from the oven along. I could only manage one of them right now, M'Sahib devoured two. Looks like they'll be made again next Friday.