This version of Hot Cross Buns is made from a quick bread, but it is unclear of true origin—be it from the Scots, Brits, or Germans. Although traditionally a rich yeast dough, I find this version quicker to make and more popular.
Why Buttermilk? Using Buttermilk instead of cream makes for a lighter, more bread-like scone. The scones are baked at a higher oven temperature, which produces a darker, crispier crust. Using Buttermilk will also result in a more tender, creamy texture with a rich buttery taste and a bit of tang, somewhat similar to a good Greek yogurt. TIP: Not to worry if you are just plum out of Buttermilk; regular milk + vinegar will provide the same results.
Start with the best ingredients, and the results will provide tastier, better results—specifically, use good quality flour. Easily prepared, baked, and enjoyed in under an hour—have a good cup of hot tea and jam with the buns.
Hot Cross Buns
Makes 8 buns
chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup (1 stick) very cold sweet butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons pure cane granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk, *made into buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup raisins, **plumped
1/4 teaspoon white vinegar for making milk into buttermilk
*Add white vinegar to milk to make the buttermilk. Allow to sit for 5 minutes to sour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add cold butter to the flour and blend in by hand until the butter resembles fine crumbs. Add granulated sugar and mix it into the flour.
Combine beaten egg, vanilla, and milk. Add milk mixture to flour mixture, toss in plumped raisins, and mix by hand until a dough forms. It will take about one minute of kneading until the flour is absorbed. Turn the bun dough onto a floured surface. Form in the shape of a ball; do not over-knead. With a rolling pin, flatten out the dough to one inch thick.
Place the rounded buns into a 9-inch cake pan. With a bench scraper or knife, cut through the dough four times, dividing it into eight equal pieces. Immediately bake for about 16-18 minutes until the dough sounds hollow, a sign it is fully baked.
Icing
Mix 1 cup + 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar, pinch of flour, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt. 4 teaspoons milk, or enough to make a thick pipable icing.
Allow buns to cool, then drizzle icing into a cross shape over the buns.
**To plump raisins, add 2 tablespoons of water and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds.
AS SEEN ON PUBLIC TELEVISION & CREATE TV- SEASON ONE
FEATURING CHEF GEORGE HIRSCH DEMONSTRATING HIS SAVORY COOKING, BAKING AND GRILLING RECIPES; WITH HIS EXPERT CULINARY TIPS & TECHNIQUES, ALONG WITH VISITS TO HIS INSPIRING HAMPTON LOCATIONS.
LIMITED OFFER, LIMITED EDITION, signed by Chef George.
From the original Grilling TV Series host, 200 Fabulous Recipe—Celebrating the joyous rituals of sharing food at year-round festivities, the star of PBS's Grilling with Chef George Hirsch provides a wealth of recipes and ideas for great party foods, plus advance preparation tips to ease the strain of last minute chores.
Hardcover: 310 pages
Publisher: Hearst Books-HarperCollins; 1St edition (June 12, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0688142257
ISBN-13: 978-0688142254
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 8.1 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
This easy to live with lifestyle plan; with more than 165 of George's easy-to-prepare gourmet recipes, you can lose weight, maintain energy, look better, and enjoy a longer active life, by eating great food!
M.Evans and Company, Inc.
George Starts your year off right!
George Hirsch Living it UP
Recipes for a Healthy Active Life
Product Details
Hardcover: 240 pages; $24.95
Publisher: M. Evans and Company, Inc.; 2000
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0871319241
ISBN-13: 978-0871319241
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
Creative Cooking tips
Fast Easy recipes that allow for an active lifestyle
A 30-Day Menu Plan you can adapt throughout the year
Support and motivation for staying on a healthy eating & exercise routine
Tips for easy food shopping & eating healthy on the run
Each book is personally autographed by George Hirsch.
