I modified the healthier recipe that I used at Christmas for cinnamon rolls and made hot cross buns for Easter.
Rolls like these have been associated with the Christian tradition of Easter at least since the 12th Century. They are basically just a sweet roll recipe with spices and usually fruit included with a cross of icing on the top. The symbolism of the cross is obvious. The spices are to represent the spices associated with Jesus' burial. The rolls were a treat associated with breaking the fast of Lent.
This time, I included currants and a little cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
The nursery rhyme: "Hot cross buns, hot cross buns, one a penny, two a penny, hot cross buns" has, like most folk rhymes, had many other words added over the centuries.
One really unusual fact is that under the reigns of both Elizabeth I and James I of England it was illegal to sell hot cross buns except at Easter, Christmas, or for funerals. The penalty was that the breads were seized and given to the poor! Consequently, the treats were usually made in domestic kitchens.
They are a nice treat! We each had one tonight and will have our other two each tomorrow along with a ham.
I've made them in the past, but not for a while. We always made them at Easter when I was growing up.
It was pretty nasty outside. I edited a lot and did watch a movie in the afternoon.
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Hot Cross buns are one of those things that have gone out of style. When I worked in the bakery they would go on sale at Easter every year and there was only one woman who wanted them. I would have to order in a case of 240 and she would buy one pack of 6. No one else ever wanted them.
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