Hot cross buns

Use the bread maker and have a couple of wines while you wait for the dough...in my experience this is the key to great Easter buns!

Add to the bread maker pan, in this order:

350ml water

1 egg - break it up a bit

2Tblp oil (not olive. I use canolla)

1 tsp salt

2 Tblsp sugar

4 cups flour

3 Tblsp milk powder

1 tsp bread improver

2¼ yeast

1 Tblsp cinnamon

1 Tblsp mixed spice

Set bread maker to dough.

After a bit, or when it beeps, add

1 cup sultanas

¼ cup mixed peel

When dough is done, remove it from the bread maker pan and put in a glass bowl.

Have another glass of wine. This resting period is important but if you leave it in the bread maker it can get messy!

Mix to a paste:

2 Tblsp water

¼ cup flour

Divide your dough into about 18 buns and arrange on a baking tray.

Let them rest for 15 mins.

With the paste in an icing bag, paint the crosses onto each bun. Take creative license with this, happy faces and spirals are fun!

Bake in oven at 190° for 15-20 mins.

Let them rest before serving with lashings of butter.