GOOD FRIDAY....

...and Hot Cross Buns!

I'm not a religious person, but every Friday is a good Friday in my book! It's the end of another week and the weekend is coming, a nice long one too. But yes, today is indeed Good Friday and for me that means my first Hot Crossed Bun! I made two batches last night for the forthcoming family were getting. Hot cross buns are a spiced, often fruit filled sweet buns marked with a cross, traditional eaten on Good Friday to mark the end of Lent in Christian tradition, The cross symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus, while the spices represent those used during his burial. They are a beloved Easter symbol of faith and renewal and to the forth coming spring. My grandmother and aunt made them every year, so I keep the tradition going, I guess. I think I read they originated from 12 century monks and it was believed that buns baked on Good Friday would never go moldy and possess healing and prospective powers. Who knows but go to a market or farm stand in PA and I bet you'll see tons of these buns. I use my aunt recipe, a pretty much run of the mill recipe found online, but we add in dried raisins, cherries and dates and almonds, along with nutmeg and a pinch of cinnamon. I had two today!

Of course, many also think of my other hot crossed buns, but they are served to my special friends! Just because it's Good Friday you didn't expect me to behave, did you? I'm always cheeky.