Yes, it's that time of year again when the Mistress reveals my moist, soft and fluffy Hot Crossed Buns!!! To some of your dismay...not those buns!!! I made a batch yesterday, and is yet another of those traditions that reminds me of my departed grandmother. Delicious hot cross buns—those doughy, raisin-studded delights—are traditionally eaten during Lent, especially in the week leading up to Easter. Marked with an icing or dough cross on top, they've been a holiday staple of some communities for centuries. Given the baked good's long history, legends and superstitions have had ample time to develop and grow around them. Here are five favorites:
A 12th-century monk was the first person to mark the bun with a cross.This monk baked the buns on Good Friday, in honor of the upcoming Easter holiday, IrishCentral reports, and they soon gained popularity around England as a symbol of the holiday weekend. However, the first definite record of hot cross buns comes from a 16th and 17th century text stating: "Good Friday comes this month, the old woman runs, with one or two a penny hot cross buns."
They stay fresh for a whole year.If you hang a hot cross bun from your kitchen walls on Good Friday, legend has it that the bread will remain fresh and mold-free throughout the entire year. This harkens back to the body of Christ, which, according to the Bible, did not show any signs of decay after his crucifixion and prior to his resurrection. I'm not about to find that one out.
They expel bad spirits.Due to the blessed cross on top, hot cross buns hung in the kitchen are supposed to protect from evil spirits. They're also said to prevent kitchen fires from breaking out, and ensure that all breads baked that year will turn out perfectly delicious.
And cement friendships.Those who share a hot cross bun are supposed to enjoy a strong friendship and bond for the next year. A line from an old rhyme captures this lore, says Irish Central: "Half for you and half for me, between us two, good luck shall be."
They're too sacred to eat any old day.In 1592, Queen Elizabeth I decreed that hot cross buns could no longer be sold on any day except for Good Friday, Christmas or for burials. They were simply too special to be eaten any other day.
Mine yesterday turned out very well. Like my grandmother I use some dried fruit and nuts. Between these buns and faschnauts day earlier in the week, I had like about three or four.. .the Lad best hurry back from vacation and help me work all these carbs off!!!! Swim and sun season is right around the corner. Of course, I chased that all down today with a full English breakfast!
Today for those who enjoy the Unusual Suspects, while getting breakfast it was like being in Bodega Bay from the Birds. Anne Marie always say my milkshake bring the boys to the yard, but this birds to the yard today was something. I know starlings are a highly social family, but my give space for other too eat!!!!!
Buster booked from the kitchen.
