Hot Cross Buns

Ingredients for dough: 500g strong white flour 1 tsp dried yeast 1 tsp salt 40g caster sugar 250ml milk 60g butter, softened 2 eggs Fruits & Spice: 250g mixed dried fruit 3 tsp mixed spice Large mug of strong Earl Grey tea Crosses: 50g plain flour 2 tsp oil pinch baking powder 1 tsp caster sugar Milk for piping consistency Honey Glaze: 2 tbsp honey mixed with 2 tbsp hot water

Method 1. Soak the dried fruit and spice in the hot tea, leave to infuse. 2. Combine all dough ingredients in a large mixing bowl, work the dough for 15 minutes, shape into a tight ball, place in a large bowl, cover and leave to rest for 1 hour. 3. Preheat oven to 200c 4. Once dough has doubled in size, turn out onto a lightly floured surface, lift corners and ease into a large rectangle, drain the mixed fruit and scatter over the dough before folding it in. 5. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions, shape into tight buns and place on a parchment lined baking tray, cover and proof until doubled in size. 6. Combine ingredients for cross paste and pipe onto buns. 7. Bake at 200c for approx. 12-16 mins, look for firm, risen, golden buns. 8. Remove from oven and brush with warm honey glaze.