Hot Cross Buns

Note:    These buns are a traditional Good Friday treat.    I am unsure as to all the historical reasons, but I know they have a cross on the top which symbolizes the crucifixion.      I just know that it is part of our tradition.

Hot Cross Buns

Ingredients
3/4 cup evaporated milk, warmed
3 Tbsp butter, softened
1 egg
1 egg white
3 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp yeast
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 cup raisins
3 cups flour
1 egg yolk
2 Tbsp water
2 Tbsp butter, softened
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 Tbsp water

Directions
Put the evaporated milk in the microwave for 30 seconds to warm. Combine the milk, butter, sugar, salt, yeast in a mixing bowl and let work. Add the egg and egg white and mix. Add 1 cup of flour, currants and cinnamon. Mix in the rest of the flour. Knead, cover and let rise until doubled. Form into 12 buns and place in a greased baking pan. Keep them far enough away from each other that they won't stick together as they rise. Cover and let rise 1/2 an hour. Combine the egg yolk and water. Brush the buns with the egg mixture and bake 20 minutes at 375 degrees. Remove from oven and let cool.

While they are cooling, make the glaze in a bowl. Combine the butter and powdered sugar with the back of a soup spoon. Combine the water and vanilla and add slowly to the powdered sugar mixture, stirring until smooth. It should be thick, but spreadable. Put it into a sandwich size plastic bag. Seal and snip one corner.   Be sure and wait until the buns are cooled or your icing will slide off.   Um, no, I don't speak from experience.   ha!  ha!