I was raised in the Catholic church and I grew up thinking Hot Cross Buns were an integral part of Easter and would always be there. My mother bought them every Good Friday at a Hungarian bakery in South Bend, IN and they were delicious. Out here in my little mountain town, I bought them a few times at the local grocery and was always disappointed – they were like Wonder Bread with raisins topped with an icky white frosting cross. I bought them for the sake of tradition. I realized this year, as Good Friday approached, that our local grocery hasn’t carried them in years. Overcome by sentimentality and perhaps a bit cabin feverish from the relentlessly pounding snow, I decided to make my own. Relying on my trusty cooking Bible, Joy of Cooking, I found a good recipe and went to work. The yummy result is pictured below and, yes, they were a lot of work but so good that I am sure I will do it again next year. Know what makes them so good? Nearly a 1/2 pound of butter! No kidding. That along with boiled raisins, grated lemon peel, and cardamom and you’ve got a bitchin’ good bun.
Hot Cross Buns!
Anxious to exit the kitchen after all that work, husband Scott, doggie Ethyl and I went for a walk along the Payette River just to the south of us. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. It is still very much winter here and it is becoming painful for me to speak with my friends and sisters who live in warmer climes and speak of green grass, blooming spring flowers, and sitting outside in the sun. At least it is very beautiful here and the love we have for each other, and our good friends make it seem warmer!
River Ice
Happy Easter!
Easter Sunday Walk
