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Easter Hot Cross Buns - Long Weekend Challenge Assignment

Easter Holiday

Hot Cross Buns, traditionally eaten after Lent or Good Friday, to celebrate HOPE, RENEWAL and LIFE! 

Photos:  Courtesy of Kevin Clark Studios 

Photos:  Courtesy of Kevin Clark Studios 


Christians fast, or give up rich foods, or sacrifice something to imitate the suffering of Jesus Christ's crucifixion.  Christians world wide celebrate Easter as a religious holiday.  In celebration of the end suffering, and Resurrection Day, when Jesus was raised from the empty tomb. Treats such as eggs, chocolates, rich foods like Hot Cross Buns and cakes are enjoyed to celebrate hope and new life! 


Sweet Easter Treats!

A. TASK:  Make a Festive/Easter Bread 





B. EXPLORE: 

 C.  SHOW and SHARE:  Find a recipe, try it at home! 

Hot Cross Buns  Step by Step Recipe:





1.  Gather ingredients, mise en place.  Form a soft dough with ingredients.  Gently knead in a bowl, all purpose flour may be used, instead of bread flour.  I substituted 50% whole wheat flour to boost the fibre and viatmins.  Ensure the milk is not too hot, otherwise yeast may be killed. 

2..  Use reserved flour to coat raisins currants.  Grated orange zest can be added at this point.  Set aside.  Knead bread gently on the counter to develop gluten.  

3.  Once dough is kneaded, add raisins to incorporate.  The gluten will not develop as much due to the higher fat, sugar and egg content in this dough. It is considered an "enriched" sweet dough.  This makes it a "traditional sweet dough" and more soft and tender.  





  4.  After "proofing" of the dough, when the volume of dough has approximately has doubled in size, cut and portion into logs, then cut and shape into dough balls.  I tucked the raisins inside each bun to give the surface a clean and smooth top.    




5.  Allow shaped buns to rise again, about 30-40 minutes cover with plastic wrap to prevent a dry crust forming on the surface of the buns.
 

6.  Remove proofed buns,cut a cross shape with a sharp knife into buns.  When I bake with my children, we talk about challenges and blessings that we experience.



7.  Stir together 60 ml flour with approximately 25 ml water to make a thick paste, place into a ziplock bag and pipe paste onto buns in a cross pattern.  Preheat oven to 350F.




8.  Remove buns from oven and while buns are hot, glaze with honey.  Lucas sang "Hot Cross Buns" as he was brushing on the sweet topping!

Lyrics for Nursery Rhyme Song:
Hot cross buns
Hot cross buns
One a penny
Two a penny
Hot cross buns
Give them to your daughters
Give them to your sons
One a penny
Two a penny
Hot cross buns...

I made 3 batches and shared them with my neighbours this Easter Weekend!  (Hot out of the oven, viruses do not survive)These freeze well and can be eaten for breakfast or a tasty snack anytime of day.   

D. TURN IT IN:

1. In which countries did Hot Cross Buns originate from?  __________________
2. What is the cultural significance of these buns?    _______________________
3. Re-tell a few stories associated with Hot Cross  Buns   ___________________
4. What is the function of yeast in this recipe?  ____________________________

5. If you don't celebrate Easter, what baked goods have a festive/religious significance? ________________________________________________________

E. Parent Clean up Checklist:  

(Thank You parents, for supporting your child develop cooking skills! Please underline to choose)

a) Dishes & Equipment:                  Emerging/Developing/Proficient/Extending 

b) Counters:                                      Emerging/Developing/Proficient/Extending 

c) Floors:                                           Emerging/Developing/Proficient/Extending 

d) Process & Final product:            Emerging/Developing/Proficient/Extending 

My child was responsible for clean up, and I am satisfied.    Yes/No



My neighbour, Kevin Clark and his wife photographed them.  I will introduce you to them for our next assignment.  He has some amazing photography tips for you! Happy Easter Long Weekend! Spring and Easter bring HOPE, RENEWAL and LIFE!  

We will get through this together, until next time, Happy Cooking and Baking!

 ~ Mrs. Anthony.
















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