All content copyright Katrina Hall 2008 through 2025

Saturday, March 16, 2013

hot cross buns










The problem with this everlasting snow and ice is the longing to walk, skip, run up a hill or across a green field, sun shining, little green plants inching up every day.  In my gardener's heart I am feeling Spring, but the terrain is treacherous.  Having had one knee surgery, I am cautious on the slicks of ice, which keeps me inside more than I'd like.



But when I saw this recipe from King Arthur Flour for hot cross buns yesterday, my heart gave a little handspring.  Easter!  Spring!  Ample, plump buns studded with candied fruit nuggets and raisins, and that X of white, sugary frosting on top that always seems to be the first to go.


I made them last night , then packed and delivered them this morning to Izzie and Frankie ( and their Moms), and even snuck half of one to Kitchee the nanny-dog.  Even with the forecast of snow again, the day is feeling a whole lot sunnier.


The recipe is here, and it couldn't be easier.  I was surprised the buns didn't rise very much, even with yeast AND baking powder - I would probably give them an extra half hour to see if that would plump them up a little.  They have a very tender crumb and just enough spice.  Even though the icing was thick, it liquified and drizzled once piped onto the buns, but it still tasted as delicious as I remember.

Have a wonderful weekend!

7 comments:

La Table De Nana said...

Ahh..you make me want to make some again..I have in the past and Jacques loved them..maybe I would try your recipe this time..they are cute!
Treacherous here too..
My gardener's heart is anxious to see if I still have it in me:)

katrina said...

Ah, Nana - and if you do make these, I'm sure your frosting will look far better than mine - though it tastes delicious:) I'm sure your green thumb will bounce back as soon as the weather improves! Wishing it sooner rather than later, that's for sure. What a winter.

Barb said...

Hot cross buns always make me think of Easter-these look so good. I am trying to improve my eating habits, so I may have to pass on these and all the chocolate bunnies this year. So sad :-(.

Tomorrow is the first day of spring and it's snowing here - go figure. Mother Nature has the craziest sense of humor doesn't she?

katrina said...

Hi Barb - just in from shoveling snow here as well *sigh*. Hope we both get some REAL Spring weather and sun soon, as I am so done with snow.

Good for you for eating healthy! I ate two tops of the buns and gave the rest away while I try to whittle down my extra 8 winter pounds. That's the only good thing about snow shoveling:) Thanks for popping in to visit!

katrina said...

Hi Barb - just in from shoveling snow here as well *sigh*. Hope we both get some REAL Spring weather and sun soon, as I am so done with snow.

Good for you for eating healthy! I ate two tops of the buns and gave the rest away while I try to whittle down my extra 8 winter pounds. That's the only good thing about snow shoveling:) Thanks for popping in to visit!

Unknown said...

I hear you on the knee thing. Ive had 6 surgeries on my left knee alone. That having been said, your buns look fabulous! lol
The Ladies at Crafton Abbey

katrina said...

Ouch! One surgery was enough for me, which is why I'm so careful. 3 months basically bedridden? No thanks. Still kicking myself that I tore the meniscus dividing a huge daylily plant: you have my sympathy.