Good morning loyal ones! I'm posting this bright and early in the hope that you’ll all be able to whip up a batch or two today ready to share with loved ones over the Easter break. I am only a recent devotee of the Hot Cross Bun. Previously I was never a fan of dried fruit, but making my own has solved a lot of that because I can get just the right balance between having the fruity taste without too much going on.

If you want to remain un-crossed you could simply glaze your buns. I used some melted white chocolate pieces to drizzle on my cross. I put the chocolate pieces into a small zip lock bag and placed it into my Combi-Steam using Steam at 50°C until melted. Then I snipped the corner off and drizzled it out.

If you have never baked before and the thought of making such things sounds ludicrous, I decree you to give them a go. Having a Combi-Steam oven makes it so much simpler! Using the Steam to warm and prove and then a baking function to give you that "shop bought" finish is just what you need. And once you try your own creations, you will be bragging to all and sundry. Many of my royal family and friends are honestly a little bit sick of hearing about me and my Combi-Steam!

For VZUG and Wolf users, if you would like some more ideas on what and how to cook with Professional Baking, you can download my Basics on Professional Baking here.

Ok let's get a bun or two in the oven!

Easter Hot Cross Buns (makes 12)

Ingredients

Dry:
600g plain flour (or “bread flour” if you have it)
50g caster sugar
1 tbs soft brown sugar
zest of 1/2 orange
1 heaped tbs ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp each of ground ginger, nutmeg and allspice
1 cup dried fruit (sultanas, raisins, currants or a mix) - or add more to your liking!
pinch salt

Wet:
320ml milk
50g butter
1 egg
1 tbs dried yeast (or two 7g sachets)
1 tsp vanilla extract

White chocolate or flour and water to make a paste for the crosses. (see info above)

Method:

1. Place the milk into a jug or bowl. Place the butter into a small dish. Crack the egg into another small dish. Place all these into your Combi-Steam and select Steam at 50°C. Set timer for 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile in a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer) place the flour and spices. Use a hand whisk (or the whisk attachment at the lowest speed) to combine and "sift". Then add the sugars, zest and fruit. Whisk again to combine.

3. Remove the wet ingredients from the Combi-Steam. Add the yeast to the milk and set aside to "froth" and activate for a minute or two.

4. Lightly beat the egg and add to the dry ingredients with the melted butter and the yeast/milk mixture. Mix to combine into a dough. (Or use your beater/paddle attachment on your stand mixer)

5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured bench until smooth and springy. (Or do this with the dough hook/kneading attachment of your stand mixer) It will take around 15 mins by hand and around 10 mins in a mixer.

6. Form dough into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl. Place into your Combi-Steam, uncovered, and select Steam at 40°C. Proof for 30 mins or until doubled in size.

7. Cut dough in half and then into quarters. Divide each quarter into 3 even sized pieces. Roll or shape into "buns". Place on a tray lined with baking paper close together so they are touching making 4 rows of 3.

8. Place tray into the CombiSteam on a middle shelf. Select Steam at 30°C and allow to proof for a second time for 30 mins.

9. Select Professional Baking - Bread (or your Combination Steam function with Steam set to 60% if required). Set the temp to 200°C and bake for 35 minutes. (no pre-heating required - let the initial Steam phase give you an extra little "proof" before it kicks into the high heat).

10. Remove and brush the tops with a little warmed honey, some maple syrup or even a bit of warmed marmalade.

11. Serve warm with butter or split in half, lay on a tray and "toast" in your Combi-Steam on Hot Air+Steaming (Combination Steam function) preheated to its highest temperature for around 5 mins or until browned as you like them.

Personally, I would rather eat a dozen of these than have any chocolates so surely that's a fair trade. Actually maybe that's a lie. I think I'll have both! I will be back in the kitchen today making another couple of dozen to give to the royal neighbours. It's all about sharing the love around the kingdom!

I hope you all have a wonderful break.

Happy Easter my CombiSteamers!

Yours in the kitchen,

The CSQ. x