Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns can of course be enjoyed by everyone however it's mainly linked to Christianity where it's supposed to be eaten on Good Friday and the cross on the top of the bun symbolizes the crucifixion. However the first known use of the word "hot cross bun" wasn't until 1733. It's thought that they were eaten by the Saxons to honour the godess Eostre which is maybe the origin of the word "Easter."

1 lb of flour
1/8 teaspoon of salt
1 oz yeast
3 oz of castor sugar
1/2 pint of milk
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of grated nutmeg
4 oz of currants
1 oz of candied peel
2 oz of melted margarine
1 egg
Milk and sugar to glaze

1) Sieve the flour and salt together.

2) Cream the yeast with 1 teaspoon of the castor sugar, add the tepid liquid, pour into a well in the center of the flour and sprinkle with a little flour.

3) Cover the bowl and put it in a warm place for about 15 minutes, until the yeast has begun to work.

4) Add all the other ingredients and mix well, adding more milk if required.

5) Cover with a cloth and put in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour, until the dough has doubled in bulk.

6) Form the dough into buns, put them on greased tins and cut a cross in the top of each.

7) Put to prove for 15 minutes, then brush buns over with a little milk and sugar to glaze.