hot cross buns

[AALARD]

hot cross buns

Ingredients

* 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/3 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons quick-rising yeast
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, grated
* 1 teaspoon lemon essence or 1 lemon, zest of
* 2 cups water, Warm
* 1/4 cup butter, Melted
* 2 eggs
* 2 teaspoons cinnamon
* 1/2 cup mixed candied peel
* 1 cup raisins
* 2 tablespoons milk
* 1 1/2 cups icing sugar

Directions

1.
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, lemon rind, salt cinnamon and nutmeg.
2.
2
Stir in warm water and butter, then beaten eggs.
3.
3
Using a wooden spoon, vigorously stir dough until smooth and elastic.
4.
4
Stir in raisins and candied peel.
5.
5
Scrape down sides of bowl, cover with a clean dry towel and stand for 10 minutes.
6.
6
Grease 24 medium to large-sized muffin cups and spoon in batter -- no more than 2/3 full.
7.
7
Brush tops with melted butter.
8.
8
Cover and let rise in a warm place until almost double, about 20 - 30 minutes.
9.
9
Bake in an oven preheated to 375 degrees for about 20 minutes or until tops are browned.
10.
10
Let cool on wire racks until warm, about 10 - 15 minutes.
11.
11
Combine icing sugar with milk until smooth; place in a piping bag or spoon on top of buns to make crosses.