History of the Easter Hot Cross Buns:
Easter Hot Cross Buns have a rich history that dates back centuries. It is believed that the first Hot Cross Buns were made by the Saxons over a thousand years ago, who marked the buns with a cross to symbolize the four quarters of the moon, in honor of the goddess Eostre. Later on, Christians adopted the tradition of making Hot Cross Buns, marking them with a cross to represent the crucifixion of Jesus. It is said that in the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I banned the sale of Hot Cross Buns except for Good Friday, Christmas, and funerals because they were believed to have special healing powers.
Tips and Tricks for Easter Hot Cross Buns Recipe:
- Use warm milk and water while making the dough to activate the yeast properly, but don't make it too hot as it might kill the yeast.
- Add a pinch of sugar to the yeast mixture to activate the yeast quickly.
- Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes to develop gluten for fluffy and airy buns.
- Make sure to cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap while it rises to prevent the dough from drying out.
- Wash raisins with hot water to plump them up before adding them to the dough.
- Apply sticky flour paste on the buns to get a perfect cross shape.
Tips for presenting the dish:
- Serve the Hot Cross Buns warm with a dollop of butter and jam for a more delicious taste.
- Arrange the Hot Cross Buns on an elegant serving platter and garnish it with a sprig of fresh mint or edible flowers.
- Use colorful napkins or a decorative cloth to accentuate the buns and provide a festive touch.
- Try serving these buns with hot tea or coffee to complete the experience.