Spicy Hot Cross Buns - Vegan!

Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
• 1 teaspoon ground mixed spice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons caster sugar
• 1/3 cup dried currant
• 2 tablespoons citrus peels, chopped (mixed)
• 1 lemon rind, finely grated
• 1/3 cup margarine, melted (vegan)
• 3/4 cup soymilk, warmed (may need a little more or less)
• 1/4 cup plain flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons margarine (vegan)
• water, ice-cold, as needed
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons water

Recipe

• 1 1. in a large bowl, mix the flour, spices, yeast, sugar, currants, mixed peel and lemon rind. make a well in the centre and add the melted margarine and some of the warmed milk.
• 2 2. mix until a soft dough is formed, adding more milk if necessary.
• 3 3. turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. place in an oiled bowl, cover with cling film and leave in a warm place until doubled in size (1-2 hours).
• 4 4. meanwhile, to make the crosses, rub the margarine into the flour and add enough water to bind. roll out the pastry quite thinly then cut into thin strips.
• 5 5. once the dough has doubled in size, knock it down and knead for 5 minutes. divide into 12 pieces, roll each piece into a ball and leave on a greased baking tray. leave to rise again for about 30 minutes.
• 6 6. to make the glaze, heat the water and sugar in a pan until the sugar dissolves.
• 7 7. leave to cool. glaze each bun and top with pastry crosses.
• 8 8. bake at 180°c / 350°f/ gas mark 4 for about 20 minutes or until golden.