Easter Hot Cross Buns

• Prep Time

  120 MIN

• Cook Time

  30 MIN

• Servings

  16 PEOPLE

Ingredients

• FOR THE DOUGH:

• Zest and juice of an orange

• 75 g Biona Organic Chocolate Covered Raisins

• 2 tablespoons mixed peel (optional)

• 325 ml organic Kefir

• 1 dessert apple - grated

• 6 tablespoons Biona Organic Agave Syrup

• 350 g strong white plain flour

• 150 g whole wheat flour

• 1 tablespoon instant yeast

• ¼ teaspoon bicarbonate soda

• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

• FOR THE HOT CROSS PASTRY:

• 6 tablespoons plain flour

• 5 to 6 tablespoons water

• FOR THE GLAZE:

• 2 to 3 tablespoons Biona Organic Maple Agave Syrup

Directions

1. 1. Place the orange juice in a small saucepan, bring to the boil and simmer for about 3 or 4 minutes to reduce by about half. Add mixed peel and set to one side.

2. 2. Warm the kefir for one minute on high power in the microwave. Stir in the grated apple and agave syrup.

3. 3. Add the flours, yeast, bicarb and cinnamon into a large bowl along with the kefir mixture and mix together to form a rough dough.

4. 4. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Alternatively you can use a stand mixer to knead your dough.)

5. 5. Spread the dough out into a rectangle and sprinkle over the fruit mixture and chocolate raisins. Bring the dough back together and knead until the fruit is evenly distributed.

6. 6. Place the dough in a large greased mixing bowl, cover and leave in a warm place to rise for 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.

7. 7. Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and divide into 16 pieces, approx. 75 to 80 g each. Shape into balls and place on a baking tray fairly close together and flatten each ball a little. 7. Cover with a tea towel and prove for one hour in a warm place.

8. 8. While your Hot Cross Buns are proving, make your hot cross 'pastry.'

9. 9. Sift the flour into a jug, add the water and mix well until you have a smooth paste.

10. 10. Preheat your oven to 400°F / 200°C / Gas Mark 6

11. 11. When your hot cross buns are ready for the oven, pipe or use a spoon to form the crosses on your buns.

12. 12. Place in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.

13. 13. Brush with maple syrup for a shiny glaze and leave to cool on a wire rack.