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Monday 17 November 2008

Sweet spices enchanted my day!

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I’ve been to an interview today and it was pretty good. I really hope to hear something from them. Otherwise I have another interview for tomorrow.

So, back from the interview today, I had to clear my head a little bit (so that I don't get excited too soon!) And there’s not better to do than baking. Right?!

I always look at those yummy hot cross buns in supermarkets and don’t buy them because they contain milk or eggs or non-vegan stuff. So, I decided to give them a try! I adapted and veganised the recipe from the BBC website. (They’ve got some quite nice recipes on there by the way).

The recipe looks quite lengthy but I did not think it took me that much time to do. During the waiting time, I just did other things then came back to it.

They’ve turned out really nice for a first try! And BoyfriendLovlie decided he would call them “hot cross bums” for some reason!

Anyway, with my interview that went on nicely and the warm yummy buns that baked really well perfuming my wintery kitchen with the smell of sweet spices, I've had a great day today!


Ingredients (12 buns)

For the ferment starter:
150 ml warm soymilk
150 ml warm water
15 g yeast (2 sachets)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons plain flour

For the dough:

4 cups (500 g) strong white flour (I just used plain flour though and they were fine)
1 tsp salt
2 tsp ground mixed spice/cinnamon
½ cup sugar
75 ml vegetable oil
1 lemon, grated, zest only
¾ cup mixed dried fruit (or more if you like)

oil, for greasing

For the crosses:

2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon oil
1 – 1½ tablespoon water (or as needed)

For glazing:

2 tablespoons soymilk
1 tablespoon sugar


  • Prepare the ferment starter for the dough by combining milk with the water in a deep bowl (as it will rise consequently, mine almost overflowed!). Whisk in the yeast, sugar and flour, cover and put in a warm place for 20 minutes.
  • To make the buns: sieve the flour, salt and spice into a large mixing bowl and pour in the oil. Rub in between the fingers until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
  • Make a well in the centre and put the sugar and lemon zest in the well. Pour on the ferment starter.
    Gradually draw in the flour and mix vigorously.
  • Knead to a smooth, elastic dough.
    Add in mixed dried fruit.
  • Shape the dough into a ball, put it in a greased bowl, cover with a clean tea towel and leave to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
  • Turn out the dough. Punch down and knead to knock out any air.
  • Divide into 12 even pieces and shape into smooth balls.
  • Place on a greased baking tray/sheet (I used my pizza tray). Leave to rise for another 15 minutes or so.
  • Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
  • Meanwhile you can do the crosses: mix the oil with the flour, then add water to form a smooth dough.
  • Roll out flat to 2 - 3 mm thickness. Then cut out thin strips.
  • Trim and place strips to form crosses on each buns.
  • Bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove and brush with soymilk and sugar mixture, then put back for another 10 minutes or until golden and done.
  • Cool on a wire rack. Enjoy with butter, jam or they’re just good on their own!

11 comments:

  1. The "bums" looks great! haha
    and I agree, there is nothing better to get rid of stress or clear your head like baking.

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  2. Those are gorgeous hot cross buns! I always wondered how they were made ;)

    Good luck with your interview(s)!

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  3. Good luck with good results from your interview!

    And those hot cross buns look incredible!

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  4. Good luck with your interview!As with your move!I know how it`s like moving countries..I`ve done it a few times..been following your blog and I love it!The love you put into what you do is evident,thank you for sharing with us!Those buns look heart warming!mmmmmm....mia

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  5. I have an interview tomorrow too! I wish you lots and tons of luck! maybe I should start baking too, since I've been a bit stressed out lately and I also miss that kind of buns!

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  6. These buns looks fantastic...wish you tons of luck on your job search...

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  7. The hot cross buns look delicious.

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  8. Mm, I love hot cross buns but luckily the shops here make them with oil rather than butter and no milk. I can't wait until post-christmas when they start stocking them again...

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  9. i will keep my fingers crossed for you! i like to clear my head & bake, too! it works so well - and with tasty results! these buns look PERFECT! i'm gonna have to make them soon! thanks for the recipe! :)

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  10. Thank you all for your support! I love those buns too! and making them at home only cost a fraction of store bought ones!

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  11. Gauri Radha गौरी राधा7 May 2011 at 03:52

    Those vegan buns look delectable :-)

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