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What constitutes a hot cross bun?
Posted by helen
What constitutes a hot cross bun? March 20, 2017 04:33AM |
Admin Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 7,920 |
We had a rather lively discussion on Radio Live last Saturday morning about what constitutes a hot cross bun.
I was way too opinionated in rejecting the brioche lemon buns that were presented to us that had no spice or fruit in them but they did have a cross on the top.
Although I wish I had been a bit calmer about it I still feel that a hot cross bun is surely more than just any bun with a cross on top.
What do you think?
I was way too opinionated in rejecting the brioche lemon buns that were presented to us that had no spice or fruit in them but they did have a cross on the top.
Although I wish I had been a bit calmer about it I still feel that a hot cross bun is surely more than just any bun with a cross on top.
What do you think?
Re: What constitutes a hot cross bun? March 20, 2017 05:12AM |
Registered: 12 years ago Posts: 3,428 |
My best resource for English baking is Elizabeth David's English Bread and Yeast Cookery, and in summary her views on Hot Cross Buns are:
1. HCB originated from Tudor Spice Buns, which in 1592 were prohibited by law from being sold on days other than the Friday before Easter, at Christmas and at funerals. This restriction was gradually relaxed as it became impossible to enforce, but spiced buns continued to be available only in the days around Easter.
2. The cross was originally a simple cross-cut on the top of the bun; the pastry band which is used these days is not essential and in fact prevents the cross-cut from deterring splitting.
3. HCBs are not invariably spiced but unless the recipients dislike spices it is a pity to leave them out.
4. HCBs contain currants. These cannot be omitted.
1. HCB originated from Tudor Spice Buns, which in 1592 were prohibited by law from being sold on days other than the Friday before Easter, at Christmas and at funerals. This restriction was gradually relaxed as it became impossible to enforce, but spiced buns continued to be available only in the days around Easter.
2. The cross was originally a simple cross-cut on the top of the bun; the pastry band which is used these days is not essential and in fact prevents the cross-cut from deterring splitting.
3. HCBs are not invariably spiced but unless the recipients dislike spices it is a pity to leave them out.
4. HCBs contain currants. These cannot be omitted.
Re: What constitutes a hot cross bun? March 20, 2017 06:04AM |
Admin Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 7,920 |
Re: What constitutes a hot cross bun? March 20, 2017 06:07AM |
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Re: What constitutes a hot cross bun? March 20, 2017 06:12AM |
Admin Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 7,920 |
Re: What constitutes a hot cross bun? March 20, 2017 07:31AM |
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Re: What constitutes a hot cross bun? March 20, 2017 11:51AM |
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Re: What constitutes a hot cross bun? March 20, 2017 10:06PM |
Admin Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 7,844 |
For me the spices are the number one essential, followed closely by fruit (but no peel, please). Currants are OK but I prefer fat, juicy sultanas. I've become used to the 'paste' cross and can't remember what HCB's had on top before paste became the norm. And like Heather F, I haven't had a HCB yet. They are special and to be eaten only over the 4 day Easter Holiday otherwise they become ho-hum and not special. Our New World had them on sale straight after Christmas.
My favourite topping? Roses Ginger Marmalade or Roses Lime & Ginger Jam. Not traditional, I know, but soooooo delicious!
My favourite topping? Roses Ginger Marmalade or Roses Lime & Ginger Jam. Not traditional, I know, but soooooo delicious!
Re: What constitutes a hot cross bun? March 21, 2017 06:54AM |
Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 2,228 |
Spices and lots of fruit for me, including peel but not too much. Of course they must have a cross on top, and served toasted with lashings and lashings of butter. Like others I only eat them over Easter, we grew up with HCB on Good Friday and eggs on Sunday. Limits the caloric intake a bit.
While not traditional, and not (to my mind) an actual HCB one of our local cafes makes Belgian Chocolate easter buns...OMG to die for!!!! So we usually get a couple of packets of each (and a couple to send to DD in Dunedin too).
While not traditional, and not (to my mind) an actual HCB one of our local cafes makes Belgian Chocolate easter buns...OMG to die for!!!! So we usually get a couple of packets of each (and a couple to send to DD in Dunedin too).
Re: What constitutes a hot cross bun? March 21, 2017 10:15AM |
Admin Registered: 10 years ago Posts: 1,131 |
I'm a traditionalist so I think a hot cross bun should have spice, fruit and a sticky cross on top and served warm with butter
No to chocolate chips or chocolate please!
I would prefer to see them only around Easter - I feel the same about Christmas mince pies (which I love) but you can still buy them at the supermarkets now!
No to chocolate chips or chocolate please!
I would prefer to see them only around Easter - I feel the same about Christmas mince pies (which I love) but you can still buy them at the supermarkets now!
Re: What constitutes a hot cross bun? March 21, 2017 11:58PM |
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Re: What constitutes a hot cross bun? March 22, 2017 09:50AM |
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Re: What constitutes a hot cross bun? March 22, 2017 10:22AM |
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Re: What constitutes a hot cross bun? March 28, 2017 09:40AM |
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Re: What constitutes a hot cross bun? April 05, 2017 12:56PM |
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Re: What constitutes a hot cross bun? April 06, 2017 10:45AM |
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