GUAVA GLAZED HOT CROSS BUNS

Ingredients

1 pk (11g) active dry yeast

1/3 cup warm water

1 cup milk

1/3 cup plus 1 tsp sugar

4 oz butter/margarine

1 large egg, lightly beaten

3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

½ tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp all spice powder

½ tsp salt

1 cup raisins soaked in 3 tbsp brandy (pref overnight)

½ tsp grated lemon zest

Extra flour

Guava Glaze:

2 tbsp guava jelly

1 oz butter

Icing:

¾ cup icing sugar

water

Directions

1. Place the yeast in the bowl of a mixer bowl and add the warm water and a pinch of sugar. Stir together and set aside for the yeast to activate (approx. 2 – 3 minutes).
2. Meanwhile in a microwave safe bowl, place the milk, butter/margarine and sugar and heat in the microwave 45 secs – 1 min. Stir until everything is melted and combined. Let cool slightly.
3. Sift the flour with the spices and salt into a large bowl. Add the sugar and lemon zest using a whisk to into the flour.
4. Whisk in the egg to the butter mixture making sure the mixture is just warm and not hot. Add this to the yeast in the mixing bowl. Using the dough hook attachment, turn on mixer to medium high and stir until all the ingredients are combined.
5. Add the flour mixture. Continue mixing dough, adding a little additional flour at a time to make a soft dough. As the dough begins to come together add the soaked raisins and continue mixing. Stop mixing once the dough begins to pull from the sides of the bowl. Turn the dough on lightly floured surface and knead for about 3 - 4 minutes more.
6. Put the dough in a large greased bowl. Cover loosely with a clean cloth and let rise in a warm, place for 1½ hrs or until doubled. Punch the dough down. Form the dough into even balls and place on a lightly greased baking tins. Make sure to leave approx. ½ inch between each bun. Leave to rise for another 10 – 15 mins.
7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
   Place guava jelly and butter in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 20 sec or until melted. Mix well. Brush the top of each bun with a little guava glaze. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove and brush with a second layer of guava glaze. Continue baking for another 5 – 7 mins. Remove and place on a cooling rack.
   
8. Mix together the icing sugar and just enough water to make a thick glaze. Pipe a cross shape on the buns and serve.