Hot Cross Buns

Method

• Make a well at the center of a medium bowl containing the measured flour and place the salt but make sure yeast and salt do not come into contact with each other. Cover the salt with the flour and add the rest of the dry ingredients; yeast, mixed spice, cinnamon and sugar. Combine and mix thoroughly all the ingredients.
• Whisk egg in lukewarm milk. Grate orange zest onto the flour mixture and mix together. Make a hole at the center of the floor and pour the milk mixture.

• Put on the oven light.

• Fold the mixture with spatula or wooden spoon to form dough. Continue kneading the dough with your hand. Transfer the mixture to a smooth floured surface or board and knead till smooth dough is obtained.
• Incorporate the orange plus lemon peels and sultanas into the dough making sure that all has been absorbed. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with cling film and put the bowl in the lighted oven for 30 minutes.
• For best results knead the risen dough from edges to center gently, put it in the grease bowl, cover with cling film and place it in the oven for 20 minutes in order to increase the volume.
• Remove from the oven. Place the dough on a floured smooth surface and knead for few minutes. Cut it into 15 equal sizes, shape them into balls and place them in a greased baking sheet. Cover with cling film and put it in the oven for 20 minutes.
• Remove from oven. Make a paste with 2 tbsp of flour and 3tbsp of water. Put the paste in a piping bag and make cross sign design on top of the balls. Bake at 170 F for 18 minutes. For glazing brush the surface of the hot buns with apricot jam.