Hot cross buns!

Hot cross buns!
Hot cross buns!
One a penny, two a penny    
Hot cross buns!

A nursery rhyme I used to really like when I was a kid. The reason was the illustration in the poem book showing a fatso baker with the baker's hat and a tray full of buns calling at the kids. Well, this nursery rhyme is on my head since morning. The reason is absurd; my husband wanted me to make pav bhaji today. Pav bhaji is something he really enjoys. But we used to always crave for the buns i.e. pav that we get in India. The buns in US are a little sweeter. So I decided to bake the buns myself. And that is why the rhyme playing continuously in my head since I started making them.

 Now a days, baking is my new found craze. Its like magic to me. I keep putting on the oven light, to see whats happening inside. So don't be surprised if you see more of baking recipes on my blog.This post is for all my readers who like to experiment with their culinary skills. Well, I simply followed the recipe on youtube by my favourite the vah chef. He truly inspires me to cook and whenever I have tried his dishes, they have really come out well.

So, here is the link for all of you:
Vah chef's Pav Recipe

Now let me share with you my experience during baking these buns.  Firstly, its a long process (almost 4 hours) so be patient. The second important thing is to make sure to  knead the dough really well. I must say play with it for at least 10 minutes before adding the butter and then again for 5 to 10 minutes. And even if the shape of the bun is not exactly as that of the chef's, don't worry, they still come out well when done. Thirdly, I used milk wash for the buns. After the baking time is over, if you do not see the slight golden color on the top, just put the oven on broil for one minute and it will do the job.( Thanks to Patty, he gave me this idea.). Here are a few pictures!

 

I will not say that mine came out the best of its kind, but not bad for the first time . They were soft and fluffy. And the best and important part is I enjoyed making them and yes eating them too. Trust me, the aroma of freshly baked bread intoxicates you. If ever you try making them, do send me pictures and share your experience. Happy baking!