Hot Cross Buns

Blech! I thought I'd like them because someone basically told me they were like cinnamon raisin bread, but they aren't. I found the combination of spices really not appealing .

I didn't like the spices at first, but gave 'em a second go and now I absolutely love 'em!   

They should be toasted and buttered, or even better warmed in the oven and buttered. Also a really good bun should look brown, not from the flour, but from the mixed spice, which you don't get in an ordinary teacake.When we were children they only appeared at Easter, and we would have them on Good Friday for breakfast and Easter Sunday at teatime, so would be much more of a treat.

In some ways it's a shame that the anticipation has gone now that they're on sale most of the year.

I've never seen anything like that! It sounds delicious though. Where can I buy some?

Don't know really.  I always used to make it (we call it "Sinful cake"   ) because DH was mad for fruit cake with marzipan.  So any excuse ...  I also made bunny shaped rolls at Easter time.

I haven't had HCBs since I was a kid at my grandparents!  I think I'm going to try making them this weekend. 

I saw them at our grocery store and considered getting them...we always bought them in the UK when we were there so now it seems like a fun way of continuing the tradition.  I guess I'll see what DH says!

Here's another vote for hot cross buns.  grilled and dripping with butter, of course! 

You have to eat them that way - It's the law!      And you can't put too much butter on them. 

I don't like them, but I am willing to try them the butter laden toasted way, so will get them in the shopping today for pre-Easter.

I don't like them, but I am willing to try them the butter laden toasted way, so will get them in the shopping today for pre-Easter.

Toasted, grilled, warmed in the oven, then spread with butter, butter, butter, and also some.....butter to go with the butter. Plus some butter.

There IS no other way one is meant to eat a hot cross bun.
Paul is right.
It's the law!
You can be sent to the Tower for eating them cold.
Through Traitor's Gate! 

got some for Easter!    (and lots of butter, of course!  )

Toasted, grilled, warmed in the oven, then spread with butter, butter, butter, and also some.....butter to go with the butter. Plus some butter.

 

And when we say butter, we mean butter, not margarine or any of that "I can't believe it's not butter" stuff.   It has to be real butter, or it's off to the Bloody Tower with you!   

Well my buns turned out damned good even if I do say so myself! I followed a Delia recipe except I used cranberries instead of currants and I put in 4 times the amount of peel - I like a fruity bun! Anyway they must have been good becuase they have all been eaten (and no, I didn't eat them all myself!!), so I can't even post a picture!

I like a fruity bun!

That succinctly describes the difference between raisin bread and HCBs IMO. 

Raisin bread is mostly bread with pockets of raisiny sweetness.  HBCs are flavorfully fruity throughout.  Not one specific fruit, just fruity. 

Also, I thought they were called "Hot Crossed Buns" - or is that just the nursery rhyme?

Also, I thought they were called "Hot Crossed Buns" - or is that just the nursery rhyme?

Both forms are used, including in the nursery rhyme.

And when we say butter, we mean butter, not margarine or any of that "I can't believe it's not butter" stuff.   It has to be real butter, or it's off to the Bloody Tower with you!   

Goodness Paul, you're VERY serious about how you like your buns buttered, aren't you?

I followed a Delia recipe

Too late this year, but I will definitely make some next year - so it's good to know Delia came up trumps! Thanks!