Hot Cross Buns

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tsp sugar disolved in the water
• 1 and 1/2 tsp dried yeast sprinkled over water
• Leave 10 minutes, covered with teatowel, till frothy.

In large bowl mix:

• 1 cup wholemeal flour
• 2 cups white flour
• 2 Tb. sugar
• 2 Tb. skim milk powder
• 1 t. salt
• 1 t. cinnamon
• 1 t. gr. ginger
• 2 t. mixed spice
• 1/2 cup sultanas, cleaned of bits

Mix the above into yeast water with 2 Tb. oil

Cover with damp teatowel and leave in warm place 1 hour.

Knead lightly and form into about 12 to 15 bun shapes. Place each on a well greased baking tray. Cover with oiled plastic and damp teatowel till well risen, about an hour.

Mix 3 Tb. flour to a thick paste with a little water and spoon into a plastic bag with one corner cut off to form a tiny hole. Squeeze the paste along the tops of each bun to form a cross on the top of each one. Brush tops very gently with beaten egg to give a shine.

Bake at 190C. about 12 to 15 minutes till golden. Remove from tray and cool on wire rack.