Bahamian Hot Cross Buns
Growing up, Easter was special as my mom and her sisters would create warm, moist Hot Cross Buns for us children. The smell of the sweet treats could be smelt all through the nearby neighborhood. These buns would be filled with raisins, coconut or Tutti Frutti and lots of love. These are memories that gives one those warm fuzzy and feelings. This recipe can be used at any time of year, with the exception of the Tutti Frutti it can be a great way of warming the hearts of many. Knowing what's in the bread you eat is an added plus. Whole grains are packed with nutrients including protein, fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants, and trace minerals (iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium). A diet rich in whole grains has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some forms of cancer.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups Flour half white bread flour / half whole wheat
- 1 tsp. orange rind
- 6 T. sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup warm coconut milk
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1 T. yeast
- Option:
- 1/2 cup raisin
- 1/2 Tutti Frutti
- Icing
- 1 pound icing sugar
- 4 oz. Tofutti Cream Cheese or Sour Cream
- 2 T. orange juice
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Place warm water, coconut milk and oil in a large mixing bowl, and add sugar and yeast, stir and set aside for 5 minutes, or until the yeast grows.
- Combine the whole wheat, white bread flour, salt and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.
- Once the yeast has activated, add dry ingredients one cup at a time. Mix into a soft dough, using a mixing spoon. Once you have added most of the flour and it has become one, pour onto the counter and knead for 10 minutes. Place this somewhere warm till the dough is doubled in size.
- One hour later, or once the dough has doubled in size, punch the air out and shape into 15 even rolls.
- Set aside and allow the rolls to double in size. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place in the oven for about 22-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- Once they are out of the oven, pour on icing and allow to cool. Serve.
Notes
Notes:If the batter is soft and sticky, sprinkle with flour and continue kneading until it no longer has the sticky feel. Remember to avoid flouring use a little oil on the counter and in the hands and this should alleviate the stickiness.
Storage:
To store leftovers, place bread in a plastic bag with a tie.
If you intend to keep leftovers for a while, freeze them. Once the bread has thawed out it will be as fresh as it had been baking the same day.
