Ingredients
200ml semi-skimmed milk
55g unsalted butter
2 x 7g sachet dried yeast
455g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon mixed spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 whole nutmeg
55g caster sugar
2 pieces of stem ginger
1 large free range egg
2 tablespoons plain flour
55g sultanas or rasins
30g dried cranberries
2 tablespoons mixed peel
Runny honey, to glaze
Method
Add milk and 50 ml of water to a small pan and place over a low heat for a few minutes, or untill slightly warm – you should be able to dip your finger without scalding it.
Meanwhile, add the butter to separate pan and place over a low heat for a few minutes or untill melted then set aside.
Transfer the warmed milk mixture to a medium bowl and stir in the yeast. Set aside.
Sift the flour into a large bowl, then add the salt, spices, a few good scrapings of nutmeg and the sugar. Finally chop the stem ginger and stir into the mix.
Make a well in the centre and pour in the melted butter, followed by the yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add it to the bowl.
Using a fork, mix well until you have a rough dough, then transfer to a clean, flour dusted work surface and knead for around 10 minutes or untill soft and springy.
Return the dough to a flour dusted bowl, cover with a damp tea towel and leave to rise in a warm place for at least an hour, or until doubled in size.
Transfer the dough to a clean flour dusted work surface. Knock the air out by bashing it with your fist, then sprinkle over the dried fruit and mixed peel and knead into the dough for 1 to 2 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas 5. Grease and line a large baking tray.
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into balls. Evenly space them out on a lined baking tray as you go.
Cover with the tea towel and leave in a warm place for a further 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Meanwhile, place the plain flour and 2 tablespoons water into a small bowl and mix to a thick paste.
Gently pat down the risen buns then use the batter to carefully trace a cross over the top with a piping bag or spoon.
Place the buns into the preheated oven for 15 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Transfer to a wire cooling rack, brush over a little honey and leave to cool.
Slice open the sticky hot cross buns, spread with a little butter and serve – delicious
This recipe was taken from www.jamieoliver.com
