History of Crossed Buns in Elizabethan England

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What is the main purpose of covering the buns with a flannel after they have been put before the fire?

To give the buns a soft texture

To prevent the buns from burning

To keep the buns warm while they rise (correct)

To add moisture to the buns

What is the role of the dried yeast in the hot cross bun recipe?

To give the buns a golden brown color

To help the buns rise and become light and airy (correct)

To add structure and chewiness to the buns

To add flavor to the buns

Which of the following is NOT a recommended spice to include in the hot cross bun recipe?

Chili powder (correct)

Ginger

Nutmeg

Cinnamon

What is the purpose of mixing the salt and spices with the flour before adding the yeast?

To prevent the yeast from activating too quickly Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended alternative to using butter in the hot cross bun recipe?

Dairy-free spread Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of brushing the buns with warm milk before baking?

To help the buns achieve a nice golden brown color Signup and view all the answers

What is the traditional way of making the cross on Hot Cross Buns according to the text?

Piping a mix of flour and water to form the cross Signup and view all the answers

What inspired the song 'One a Penny, Two a Penny' according to the text?

The cries of hawkers selling their wares and buns on Good Friday Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the widow's son in the story of the 'Widow's Buns'?

He never returned home, but the widow continued baking a bun for him every year Signup and view all the answers

What was found in the widow's cottage after her death?

A net full of Hot Cross Buns hanging from the ceiling Signup and view all the answers

What is the traditional recipe for making Hot Cross Buns according to the text?

2 lbs of flour, 1/2 lb of sugar, coriander, cinnamon, mace, 1/2 lb of butter, 1/2 pint of milk, yeast, and salt Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the cross on the Hot Cross Buns according to the text?

It is a traditional way to mark the buns as being specifically for Good Friday Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after adding the butter, sugar, eggs, and milk?

Stir the mixture in the bowl Signup and view all the answers

Why does the dough feel horribly sticky when kneading?

As a result of using too much butter Signup and view all the answers

What is an important step before covering the bowl with a plastic bag or wet tea towel?

Greasing the bowl with a bit of oil Signup and view all the answers

Why should you let the dough sit in a warm place for an hour?

To allow the dough to rest and rise Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of stretching and folding the dough during preparation?

To incorporate air and develop gluten Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to fold the dough multiple times after sprinkling dried fruit?

To prevent the dried fruit from sinking to the bottom Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to make sure the buns are evenly baked when not weighing the dough?

Place all the smaller buns in the middle and the larger buns on the outside. Signup and view all the answers

How should you form the bun into a round shape using your hands?

Pull the sides up and in like making a purse. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do with the smooth side of the bun before placing it on the baking tray?

Face it upwards. Signup and view all the answers

Why is arranging the buns in neat rows beneficial?

To make piping easier later on. Signup and view all the answers

What should you mix with flour to form a paste for piping?

Oil and milk (or water) Signup and view all the answers

How many total pieces of dough will you have after dividing it according to the instructions?

12 pieces Signup and view all the answers

What was the original purpose of bread being offered as a religious offering?

To replace the offering of blood Signup and view all the answers

When did the tradition of buns with crosses become permanently linked to Christian celebrations?

During the Tudor times Signup and view all the answers

Why were Hot Cross Buns associated with Good Friday alone?

Queen Elizabeth I restricted their sale to certain occasions Signup and view all the answers

Until the 19th century, what was the majority of Hot Cross Buns recipes missing?

Dried fruit Signup and view all the answers

According to the recipe from the 1700s, what was one of the ingredients used in Hot Cross Buns?

Carraway-comfits Signup and view all the answers

How were crosses originally added to Hot Cross Buns?

By scoring onto the bread Signup and view all the answers