Hot Cross Buns with Chocolate Spread & Mixed Berries

The humble hot cross bun has been around for centuries in one form or another. In fact, it’s believed that it’s been made at least since the 14^th century. It was so popular that Queen Elizabeth I issued a decree banning the sale of these delicious treats on all days except at burials and public holidays. Can you imagine? Not being allowed to eat hot cross buns every day of the week?!

Whatever Her Majesty’s reasons for spoiling the fun, it didn’t work because hot cross buns have been growing in popularity, spreading across the globe to provide pleasure to sweet tooths of all nationalities.

Traditionally, hot cross buns have been enjoyed around the public holidays in April, but let’s face it: when it comes to a good time for a hot cross bun: there are no rules. Of course, hot cross buns can be enjoyed on your own, but there is something about sharing a hot cross bun with family, friends or colleagues which makes it even better. Perhaps it’s to do with the fact that hot cross buns traditionally come in sixes: each one needs to be broken off — an act that invites thoughts of ‘breaking the bread’ and bonding.

If deciding who the share your hot cross buns with is not hard enough, there’s also the matter of deciding how you are going to enjoy them. To help you with this decision, here are four broad categories of hot cross bunning to kickstart your creativity.

1.     The Simple & Sweet

Keep it simple. Keep it sweet. Simply take out of the packet, heat them up and put on the kettle. Yes, it’s not going to win you a culinary award, but when it comes to instant gratification, you’ll be winning all the way.

2.     The Savoury

Think Marmite. Think grilled chicken. Think cheddar cheese. We don’t always think of hot cross buns as something to be combined with more savoury flavours, but if pancake has been doing it for years, why not hot cross buns? Try it at least once (it might not be the last time)

3.     The Sunrise Special

Whether it’s French toast or eggs benedicts, there’s no reason hot cross buns can’t replace normal toast in your favourite breakfast special. Slice it and toast it, or simply heat it slightly and enjoy the unique combination of hot cross buns and your favourite egg option.

4.     The Sublime: Hot Cross Buns with chocolate spread and berries

Although some of the above ideas are excellent alternatives to the traditional hot cross bun approach, celebrating the sublime sweetness might, ultimately, be the best way to bring out the hot cross bun’s true character. Below is a quick and easy way to prepare our OK Hot Cross Buns and take your taste buds to seventh heaven.