When do eat hot cross buns

Later in the year, the buns were sometimes broken up, mixed with water and treated as a medicine, FoodTimeline reports.

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.

Likewise, taking hot cross buns on a voyage at sea endows the boat with some protection from shipwreck, according to legend. 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. In , 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. To get around this, FoodTimeline explains that people baked the buns in their own kitchens—although if they were caught they had to give up all of the illegal buns on their premises to the poor. The same principle applies to travel: Taking a batch of hot cross buns on a long voyage was thought to prevent shipwrecks. Feeling sick? According to some traditions, eating a hot cross bun could help heal an ailing body.

But perhaps the most interesting myth surrounding the treat is that sharing one can create or strengthen a friendship. Traditional hot cross buns are made using a shortcrust pastry , which makes carving the cross into the top easier.

More recent recipes call for the crosses to be piped on at the end with icing, giving the baker more leeway. If you have access to one, its best to use a heavy-duty stand mixer to make the rolls—the dough is too sticky to knead by hand. A rainy, humid day will require the full 5 cups of flour; a dry, cool day will take less.

Definitely start with the minimum amount. Ready to try your hand at making the traditional Easter treat? Our best hot cross buns recipe deserves a spot on your table all year long. By Corey Williams Updated December 18, Save Pin FB More. The hot cross bun is also thought to have Pagan traditions, as it was used as a representation of the sun wheel used during the spring equinox to honour Goddess Oster.

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram. Poppy Logo. FB house promo.