Happy Easter Weekend ...

I like to make Hot Cross Buns once a year and sometimes try out a few different recipes in the weeks leading up to Easter.  Here they are ..... my second batch.  I love them with lots of spices and some peel, as well as several types of raisins ... oh, and... with watered down warm apricot jam brushed on the tops.  

One of the baking blogs I look at is Geoff's ... he is on the sidebar at the bottom.  This year he went all out with crosses on everything ...so that if you are afraid of yeast... you could try some other goodies with the signature crosses on them.  He even had some cookies...which I haven't tried yet...but, definitely will have to give those a go... 

I made his recipe first... hmmm.... did I even manage to get a photo before we ate them all?...I must check back...  

This batch is from Merry Boosters... but, honestly, they were not nearly as soft and pale as hers ..so as usual... who knows what happens between the recipe and our own version.  I followed it exactly using a digital scale and everything.... but, still.... ovens.. shelf rack positions.... who knows?   However, that is not to say they don't taste amazing.... because they do. 

I found a spring tea towel too for some colour.... believe me we need some of that at this time of year.  The lawn looks dry and crispy... with still a small patch of icy snow in a shaded area....the lilacs are just dead looking dry old twigs..... the trees.. well, you get the picture.  Much better just to stay in the house and look for some pretty things... and, bake. 

That does it...I'm off for a cup of tea and one of the last two buns....