Hot Cross Buns

By HeatherS

Ingredients

• 2 pkg yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup milk - scaled and cooled to lukewarm
• 6-7 cup flour
• 6 tbsp shortening
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/3 cup chopped mixed peel
• 1 tsp salt and cinnamon
• 1 cup lukewarm water

Preparation

Step 1

Combine milk, water and 1 tbsp sugar. Add yeast. Let stand 10 min. Add 3 cup sifted flour - heat until smooth. Add raisins and peel. Cream shortening, add sugar, and eggs - one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Add this mixture to the dough. Sift remainder of flour with salt and cinnamon and add to dough. Turn out on floured board and knead lightly for a minute or so. Place in greased bowl. Brush surface with melted fat. Cover and let set in warm place until light (about 2 hours). Punch down and let rest 10 min. Form into round buns about 2 1/2" in diameter. Place on greased baking sheets, cover cloth, and allow to stand in warm place until doubled in bulk. Bake in moderately hot oven 400F for 15 min. Brush with glaze of 2 tbsp sugar mixed with 2 tsp water. Bake 5-10 min longer. Brush with glaze again.